Download Yotta 3 SAS Installation guide

Yotta 3 SAS/SATA
RAID Subsystem Series
Software Operation Manual
Ver. 1.3
Software Operation Manual
Copyright ©2011
This guide and any accompanying software and firmware are copyrighted. No
parts of this publication may be reproduced, stored on a retrieval system, or
transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy,
recording, or otherwise, without prior written consent except for copies retained
by the purchaser for backup purposes.
All rights Reserved- Printed in Taiwan.
Notice
We make no warranties with respect to this documentation either express or
implied and provide it "as it". This includes but is not limited to any implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The
information in this document is subject to change without notice. We assume no
responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document.
The manufacturer shall not be liable for any damage, or for the loss of
information resulting from the performance or use of the information contained
herein
Trademarks
Product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be the
trademarks of their respective companies. All trademarks or registered
trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
ii
A
Abboouutt TThhiiss S
Sooffttw
waarree O
Oppeerraattiioonn M
Maannuuaall
This manual contains all the information you need to initially configuring and
monitoring the Yotta 3 SAS/SATA RAID.
TTaasskk M
Maapp
11.. P
Prreeppaarree
Refer to Software Operation Manual and Hardware Installation Guide, let
yourself know the features, capabilities of Yotta 3 SAS/SATA RAID and
make sure you have everything on hand.
22.. IInnssttaallll H
Haarrddw
waarree
Install the Yotta 3 SAS/SATA RAID subsystem. Refer to:
Hardware Installation Guide
33.. C
Coonnffiigguurraattiioonn
To create a RAID set and define a volume set via LCD display front panel,
remote utility or 10/100 base-T Ethernet.
44.. M
Maakkee aa R
Reeccoorrdd
Be sure to clearly write down every items of the configuration, it will help
you to rescue the data back in case of RAID fail up.
S
Syym
mbboollss iinn TTeexxtt
These symbols may be found throughout this guide. They have the following
meanings.
Caution
This icon indicates that failure to follow directions could result in
personal injury, damage to your equipment or loss of information.
iii
Software Operation Manual
Note
This icon presents commentary, sidelights, or interesting points
of information. .
Important terms, commands and programs are put in Boldface font.
Screen text is given in screen font.
iv
Contents
ABOUT THIS SOFTWARE OPERATION MANUAL .................................... III
TASK MAP............................................................................................ III
1. PREPARE........................................................................................... III
2. INSTALL HARDWARE ........................................................................ III
3. CONFIGURATION .............................................................................. III
4. MAKE A RECORD.............................................................................. III
SYMBOLS IN TEXT ................................................................................ III
CONTENTS ............................................................................................. 1
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION............................................................. 8
1.1 RAID CONCEPT .............................................................................. 8
1.1.1 Raid Set.................................................................................. 8
1.1.2 Volume Set ............................................................................. 8
1.1.3 Instant Availability/Background ............................................ 9
1.1.4 Online Array Roaming/Offline RAID set ............................... 9
1.1.5 Online Capacity Expansion ................................................... 9
1.1.6 Online RAID Level and Stripe Size Migration ..................... 10
1.1.7 Global/Dedicated Hot Spares .............................................. 10
1.1.8 Hot-Swap Disk Drive Support.............................................. 11
1.1.9 Hot-Swap Disk Rebuild........................................................ 11
1.2 UNDERSTANDING RAID................................................................ 11
1.2.1 RAID 0 ................................................................................. 12
1.2.2 RAID 1 ................................................................................. 12
1.2.3 RAID 10(1E) ........................................................................ 13
1.2.4 RAID 3 ................................................................................. 14
1.2.5 RAID 5 ................................................................................. 14
1.2.6 RAID 6 ................................................................................. 15
1.2.7 RAID x0 ............................................................................... 16
1.2.8 JBOD ................................................................................... 17
1.2.9 Single Disk (Pass-Through Disk)......................................... 17
1.2.10 Summary of RAID Levels ................................................... 17
CHAPTER 2. CONFIGURATION METHODS ................................. 19
2.1 OVERVIEW .................................................................................... 19
2.2 USING LOCAL FRONT PANEL TOUCH-CONTROL KEYPAD ................ 20
2.3 MCBIOS RAID MANAGER (FOR PCI-E RAID ONLY) ................... 21
1
Software Operation Manual
2.4 USING THE CONTROLLER’S SERIAL PORT ........................................22
2.4.1 Keyboard Navigation............................................................23
2.4.2 Start-up VT100 Screen..........................................................23
2.5 FIRMWARE-EMBEDDED TCP/IP & WEB BROWSER-BASED RAID
MANAGER (USING THE CONTROLLER’S 10/100 ETHERNET LAN PORT)
............................................................................................................29
2.6 CONFIGURATION MENU TREE ........................................................30
CHAPTER 3. LCD PANEL CONFIGURATION.................................32
3.1 STARTING LCD CONFIGURATION UTILITY ....................................32
3.2 LCD CONFIGURATION UTILITY MAIN MENU OPTIONS ..................32
3.3 CONFIGURING RAID SETS AND VOLUME SETS ...............................33
3.4 DESIGNATING DRIVES AS HOT SPARES ..........................................33
3.5 USING QUICK VOLUME AND RAID SET SETUP ...............................34
3.6 USING RAID SET AND VOLUME SET FUNCTIONS ............................36
3.7 NAVIGATION MAP OF THE CONFIGURATION ..................................38
3.7.1 Quick Volume and Raid Setup ..............................................38
3.7.2 Raid Set Function .................................................................39
3.7.3 Volume Set Function.............................................................42
3.7.4 Physical Drive ......................................................................46
3.7.5 RAID System Function..........................................................49
3.7.6 Fiber Channel Config...........................................................53
3.7.7 Ethernet Configuration.........................................................54
3.7.8 Show System Events..............................................................55
3.7.9 Clear all Event Buffers .........................................................55
3.7.10 Hardware Monitoring Information.....................................55
3.7.11 Show System Information ...................................................56
CHAPTER 4. WEB BROWSER- BASED CONFIGURATION .........57
4.1 FIRMWARE-EMBEDDED TCP/IP & WEB BROWSER-BASED RAID
MANAGER (USING THE CONTROLLER’S 10/100 ETHERNET LAN PORT)
............................................................................................................57
4.2 WEB BROWSER START-UP SCREEN ................................................58
4.3 MAIN MENU...................................................................................59
4.4 QUICK CREATE ..............................................................................59
4.5 RAID SET FUNCTIONS ....................................................................60
4.5.1 Create Raid Set.....................................................................60
4.5.2 Delete Raid Set .....................................................................61
4.5.3 Expand Raid Set ...................................................................61
2
4.5.4 Offline RAID Set .................................................................. 63
4.5.5 Rename RAID Set................................................................. 63
4.5.6 Activate Incomplete Raid Set ............................................... 63
4.5.7 Create Hot Spare ................................................................. 64
4.5.8 Delete Hot Spare.................................................................. 64
4.5.9 Rescue Raid Set.................................................................... 65
4.6 VOLUME SET FUNCTION ................................................................ 66
4.6.1 Create Volume Set................................................................ 66
4.6.2 Create Raid30/50/60............................................................ 73
4.6.3 Delete Volume Set................................................................ 74
4.6.4 Modify Volume Set ............................................................... 74
4.6.5 Check Volume Set ................................................................ 76
4.6.6 Scheduled Volume Checking................................................ 77
4.6.7 Stop Volume Set Check ........................................................ 78
4.7 PHYSICAL DRIVE ........................................................................... 79
4.7.1 Create Pass-Through Disk................................................... 79
4.7.2 Modify Pass-Through Disk .................................................. 79
4.7.3 Delete Pass-Through Disk ................................................... 80
4.7.4 Identify Enclosure ................................................................ 80
4.7.5 Identify Selected Drive......................................................... 80
4.8 SYSTEM CONTROLS ....................................................................... 81
4.8.1 System Configuration........................................................... 81
4.8.2 Hdd Power Management ..................................................... 83
4.8.3 Fiber Channel Config (only for FC) .................................... 84
4.8.4 Ethernet Configuration ........................................................ 86
4.8.5 Alert By Mail Configuration ................................................ 86
4.8.6 SNMP Configuration ........................................................... 87
4.8.7 NTP Configuration .............................................................. 88
4.8.8 View Events/ Mute Beeper ................................................... 89
4.8.9 Generate Test Event............................................................. 90
4.8.10 Clear Events Buffer............................................................ 90
4.8.11 Modify Password ............................................................... 90
4.8.12 Update Firmware............................................................... 91
4.8.13 Shutdown Controller.......................................................... 91
4.8.14 Restart Controller .............................................................. 91
4.9 INFORMATION MENU ..................................................................... 92
4.9.1 Raid Set Hierarchy............................................................... 92
4.9.2 SAS Chip Information .......................................................... 92
3
Software Operation Manual
4.9.3 System Information...............................................................92
4.9.4 Hardware Monitor................................................................94
CHAPTER 5. MCBIOS RAID MANAGER AND TERMINAL
MODE CONFIGURATION ...................................................................97
5.1 CONFIGURING RAID SETS AND VOLUME SETS ...............................97
5.2 DESIGNATING DRIVES AS HOT SPARES ..........................................98
5.3 USING QUICK VOLUME /RAID SETUP CONFIGURATION .................98
5.4 USING RAID SET/VOLUME SET FUNCTION METHOD ....................100
5.5 MAIN MENU.................................................................................102
5.5.1 Quick Volume/Raid Setup...................................................103
5.5.2 Raid Set Function ...............................................................106
5.5.3 Volume Set Function...........................................................113
5.5.4 Physical Drive ....................................................................127
5.5.5 Raid System Function .........................................................130
5.5.6 HDD Power Management ..................................................138
5.5.7 Fiber Channel Config (only for FC)..................................139
5.5.8 In Band SAS Config (only for SAS)....................................141
5.5.9 Ethernet Configuration.......................................................141
5.5.10 View System Events ..........................................................144
5.5.11 Clear Events Buffer ..........................................................144
5.5.12 Hardware Monitor............................................................144
5.5.12 System Information...........................................................146
CHAPTER 6. ..........................................................................................147
REDUNDANT STORAGE SUBSYSTEM & MULTIPATHING I/O147
6.1 OVERVIEW ...................................................................................147
6.1.1 Redundant SAS RAID Subsystem........................................147
6.1.2 Multipath I/O & No Single Point of Failure.......................147
6.1.3 Configuration & Connectivity ............................................148
6.2 PHYSICAL CONNECTIONS WITH MPIO .........................................149
6.2.1 Single Host Server ..............................................................149
6.2.2 Multiple Host Servers .........................................................150
6.2.3 Cluster Servers ...................................................................151
6.3 ENABLE MULTIPATHING I/O FOR WINDOWS SERVER 2003..........152
6.3.1 Complete Volume Set configurations and hardware setup.152
6.3.2 Register Microsoft MPIO devices.......................................153
6.3.3 Install Microsoft MPIO packages and reboot the host
server computer ...........................................................................154
4
6.4 ENABLE MULTIPATHING I/O FOR WINDOWS VISTA / 7 &
WINDOWS SERVER 2008 ................................................................... 155
6.4.1 Complete Volume Set configurations and hardware setup 155
6.4.2 Install Microsoft MPIO packages ...................................... 156
6.4.3 Register Microsoft MPIO devices ...................................... 159
6.4.4 Reboot the host server computer........................................ 161
6.5 ENABLE MULTIPATHING I/O FOR LINUX ..................................... 162
6.5.1 Complete Volume Set configurations and hardware setup 162
6.5.2 Install device-mapper-multipath option package............... 163
6.5.3 Edit the parameters of the storage subsystem.................... 163
6.5.4 Activate multipathd service and partition the multipath
devices......................................................................................... 164
6.6 ENABLE MULTIPATHING I/O FOR MAC OS X ............................. 169
6.6.1 Complete Volume Set configurations and hardware setup 169
6.6.2 Reboot the host server computer........................................ 169
6.7 ENABLE MULTIPATHING I/O FOR SOLARIS .................................. 170
6.7.1 Complete Volume Set configurations and hardware setup 170
6.7.2 Enable MPxIO service and partition the multipath devices170
CHAPTER 7. DRIVER INSTALLATION (FOR PCI-E RAID
ONLY) .................................................................................................... 173
6.1 Creating the Driver Diskettes ............................................... 173
The following steps are required to create the Driver diskettes: 173
6.2 Driver Installation for Windows ........................................... 174
6.2.1
New
Storage
Device
Drivers
in
Windows
7
/2008/Vista/2003.......................................................................... 174
6.2.2 Install Windows 7/2008/Vista/2003 on a SAS/SATA RAID
Volume ........................................................................................ 174
6.2.3
Installing
controller
into
an
existing
Windows
7/2008/Vista/2003 Installation.................................................... 176
6.2.4 Uninstall controller from Windows 7/2008/Vista/2003 ..... 178
6.3 Driver Installation for Linux................................................. 178
6.4 Driver Installation for FreeBSD ........................................... 178
6.5 Driver Installation for Solaris .............................................. 179
6.6 Driver Installation for Mac OS X ......................................... 179
APPENDIX A. UPGRADING FIRMWARE ...................................... 180
ESTABLISHING THE CONNECTION FOR THE RS-232 AND ETHERNET
PORT.................................................................................................. 180
5
Software Operation Manual
UPGRADING FIRMWARE THROUGH ANSI/VT-100 TERMINAL
EMULATION .......................................................................................180
UPGRADING FIRMWARE THROUGH WEB BROWSER MANAGEMENT ..184
APPENDIX B. FIBRE OPERATION ................................................186
OVERVIEW .........................................................................................186
THREE WAYS TO CONNECT (FC TOPOLOGIES)....................................186
Point-to-point ..............................................................................187
Arbitrated Loop ...........................................................................187
Switched Fabric...........................................................................187
BASIC ELEMENTS ...............................................................................187
Cables and connectors ................................................................188
Fibre Channel Adapter...............................................................188
Hubs ............................................................................................188
Switched Fabric...........................................................................188
APPENDIX C .........................................................................................189
PCI-E RAID GUI (FOR PCI-E ONLY)...............................................189
CREATE RAID SET FUNCTION ...........................................................189
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION ..................................................................190
Background Task Priority ...........................................................190
JBOD/RAID Configuration .........................................................190
SATA NCQ Support .....................................................................190
HDD Read Ahead Cache.............................................................191
Volume Data Read Ahead ...........................................................191
HDD Queue Depth ......................................................................191
Empty HDD Slot LED .................................................................191
CPU Fan Detection .....................................................................191
SES2 Support...............................................................................191
Max command Length .................................................................192
Auto Activate Incomplete Raid ....................................................192
Disk Write Cache Mode...............................................................192
Disk Capacity Truncation Mode..................................................192
ADVANCE CONFIGURATION ...............................................................193
TLER Setting................................................................................193
Time Out Setting ..........................................................................193
Number Of Retries.......................................................................193
Buffer Threshold Setting..............................................................194
Amount Of Read Ahead ...............................................................194
6
Number of AV Stream ................................................................. 195
Optimize AV Recording .............................................................. 195
Read Performance Margin ......................................................... 195
Write Performance Margin......................................................... 195
Read And Discard Parity Data ................................................... 196
PERFORMANCE FOR AV STREAM ...................................................... 196
For a better performance on AV Stream some value may need to
be adjusted .................................................................................. 196
APPENDIX D ........................................................................................ 199
SNMP OPERATION & DEFINITION ............................................... 199
OVERVIEW ........................................................................................ 199
SNMP DEFINITION............................................................................ 199
SNMP INSTALLATION ....................................................................... 199
MIB COMPILATION AND DEFINITION FILE CREATION ....................... 200
LOCATION FOR MIB.......................................................................... 200
APPENDIX E......................................................................................... 201
EVENT NOTIFICATION CONFIGURATIONS .............................. 201
7
Software Operation Manual
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION
This chapter provides a brief introduction of RAID Concept and Understanding
RAID.
11..11 R
RA
AIID
DC
Coonncceepptt
1.1.1 Raid Set
A RAID set is a group of disk containing one or more volume sets. It has the
following features in the RAID subsystem. A volume Set must be created either
on an existing RAID set or on a group of available individual disks (disks that are
not yet a part of an RAID set). If there are pre-existing RAID sets with available
capacity and enough disks for specified RAID level desired, then the volume set
will be created in the existing RAID set of the user’s choice. If physical disk of
different capacity are grouped together in a RAID set, then the capacity of the
smallest disk will become the effective capacity of all the disks in the RAID set.
1.1.2 Volume Set
A volume set is seen by the host system as a single logical device. It is
organized in a RAID level with one or more physical disks. RAID level refers to
the level of data performance and protection of a volume set. A volume set
capacity can consume all or a portion of disk capacity available in a RAID set.
Multiple volume sets can exist on a group of disks in a RAID set.
In the illustration below, volume 1 can be assigned a RAID 5 level of operation
while volume 0 might be assigned a RAID 0+1 level of operation.
Raid Set 1 (3 Individual Disks)
Free Space
Volume 1 (RAID 5)
Volume 0 (RAID 10)
Disk0
8
Disk1
Disk2
Chapter 1. Introduction
1.1.3 Instant Availability/Background
Initialization RAID 0 and RAID 1 volume set can be used immediately after the
creation. But the RAID 3 and 5 volume sets must be initialized to generate the
parity. In the Normal Initialization, the initialization proceeds as a background
task, the volume set is fully accessible for system reads and writes. The
operating system can instantly access to the newly created arrays without
requiring a reboot and waiting the initialization complete. Furthermore, the RAID
volume set is also protected against a single disk failure while initialing. In Fast
Initialization, the initialization proceeds must be completed before the volume
set ready for system accesses.
1.1.4 Online Array Roaming/Offline RAID set
The RAID subsystem stores configuration information on the disk drives It can
protect the configuration settings in the case of a disk drive or controller failure.
Array roaming allows the administrators the ability to move a completely RAID
set to another system without losing RAID configuration and data on that RAID
set. If a server fails to work, the RAID set disk drives can be moved to another
server and inserted in any order.
1.1.5 Online Capacity Expansion
Online Capacity Expansion makes it possible to add one or more physical drives
to a volume set, while the server is in operation, eliminating the need to store
and restore after reconfiguring the RAID set. When disks are added to a RAID
set, unused capacity is added to the end of the RAID set. Data on the existing
volume sets residing on that RAID set is redistributed evenly across all the disks.
A contiguous block of unused capacity is made available on the RAID set. The
unused capacity can create additional volume set. The expansion process is
illustrated in the following figure.
Before Array Expansion
Free Space = 40GB
Volume 1 = 40GB (D: )
Volume 0 = 40GB (C: )
Disk0 40GB
Disk1 40GB
Disk2 40GB
Array-A 120GB
The RAID subsystem controller redistributes the original volume set over the
original and newly added disks, using the same fault-tolerance configuration.
The unused capacity on the expanded RAID set can then be used to create an
additional volume set, with a different fault tolerance setting if user needs to
change.
9
Software Operation Manual
After Array Expansion (Adding One Disk)
Free Space = 80GB
Volume 1 = 40GB (D: )
Volume 0 = 40GB (C: )
Disk0 40GB
Disk1 40GB
Disk2 40GB
Disk3 40GB
Array-A 160GB
1.1.6 Online RAID Level and Stripe Size Migration
User can migrate both the RAID level and stripe size of an existing volume set,
while the server is online and the volume set is in use. Online RAID level/stripe
size migration can prove helpful during performance tuning activities as well as
in the event where those additional physical disks are added to the RAID
subsystem. Before the invention of RAID level and stripe size migration,
changing the RAID level and stripe size of a RAID system meant backing up all
data in the disk array, re-creating disk array configuration with new RAID level
and stripe size, and then restoring data back into RAID system. For example, in
a system using two drives in RAID level 1, you could add capacity and retain
fault tolerance by adding one drive. With the addition of third disk, you have the
option of adding this disk to your existing RAID logical drive and migrating from
RAID level 1 to 5. The result would be parity fault tolerance and double the
available capacity without taking the system off.
1.1.7 Global/Dedicated Hot Spares
A hot spare is an unused online available drive, which is ready for replacing the
failure disk. The hot spare is one of the most important features that RAID
controllers provide to deliver a high degree of fault-tolerance. A hot spare is a
spare physical drive that has been marked as a hot spare and therefore is not
a member of any RAID set. If a disk drive used in a volume set fails, then the hot
spare will automatically take its place and the data previously located on the
failed drive is reconstructed on the hot spare.
Dedicated hot spare is assigned to serve one specified RAID set. Global hot
spare is assigned to serve all RAID set on the RAID controller. Dedicated hot
spare has higher priority than the global hot spare. For this feature to work
properly, the hot spare must have at least the same capacity as the drive it
replaces. The host spare function only works with RAID level 1, 1E, 3, 5, 6, 10,
30, 50, or 60 volume set.
The “Create Hot Spare” option gives you the ability to define a global / dedicated
hot spare disk drive. To effectively use the hot spare feature, you must always
maintain at least one drive that is marked as a global hot spare.
10
Chapter 1. Introduction
Note
The hot spare must have at least the same capacity as the drive it
replaces.
1.1.8 Hot-Swap Disk Drive Support
The RAID subsystem has built the protection circuit to support the replacement
of SAS/SATA hard disk drives without having to shut down or reboot the system.
The removable hard drive tray can deliver “hot swappable,” fault -tolerant RAID
solutions at prices much less than the cost of conventional SCSI hard disk RAID
subsystems. We provide this feature for controllers to provide the advanced
fault tolerant RAID protection and “online” drive replacement.
1.1.9 Hot-Swap Disk Rebuild
A Hot-Swap function can be used to rebuild disk drives in arrays with data
redundancy such as RAID level 1, 1E, 3, 5, 6, and x0. If a hot spare is not
available, the failed disk drive must be replaced with a new disk drive so that the
data on the failed drive can be rebuilt. If a hot spare is available, the rebuild
starts automatically when a drive fails. The RAID subsystem automatically and
transparently rebuilds failed drives in the background with user-definable
rebuild rates. The RAID subsystem will automatically restart the system and the
rebuild if the system is shut down or powered off abnormally during a
reconstruction procedure condition. When a disk is Hot Swap, although the
system is functionally operational, the system may no longer be fault tolerant.
Fault tolerance will be lost until the removed drive is replaced and the rebuild
operation is completed.
11..22 U
Unnddeerrssttaannddiinngg R
RA
AIID
D
RAID is an acronym for Redundant Array of Independent Disks. It is an array of
multiple independent hard disk drives that provide high performance and fault
tolerance. The RAID subsystem controller implements several levels of the
Berkeley RAID technology. An appropriate RAID level is selected when the
volume sets are defined or created. This decision is based on disk capacity,
data availability (fault tolerance or redundancy), and disk performance. The
following are the RAID levels which are supported in the RAID subsystem.
The RAID subsystem controller makes the RAID implementation and the disks’
physical configuration transparent to the host operating system. This means
that the host operating system drivers and software utilities are not affected,
regardless of the RAID level selected. Correct installation of the disk array and
the controller requires a proper understanding of RAID technology and the
concepts.
11
Software Operation Manual
1.2.1 RAID 0
RAID 0, also referred to as striping, writes stripping of data across multiple disk
drives instead of just one disk drive. RAID 0 does not provide any data
redundancy, but does offer the best high-speed data throughput. RAID 0 breaks
up data into smaller blocks and then writes a block to each drive in the array.
Disk striping enhances performance because multiple drives are accessed
simultaneously; but the reliability of RAID Level 0 is less than any of its member
disk drives due to its lack of redundancy.
1.2.2 RAID 1
RAID 1 also known as “disk mirroring”, data written to one disk drive is
simultaneously written to another disk drive. Read performance may be
enhanced if the array controller can parallel accesses both members of a
mirrored pair. During writes, there will be a minor performance penalty when
compared to writing to a single disk. If one drive fails, all data (and software
applications) are preserved on the other drive. RAID 1 offers extremely high
data reliability, but at the cost is doubling the required data storage capacity.
12
Chapter 1. Introduction
1.2.3 RAID 10(1E)
RAID 10(1E) is a combination of RAID 0 and RAID 1, combing stripping with disk
mirroring. RAID Level 10(1E) combines the fast performance of Level 0 with the data
redundancy of Level 1. In this configuration, data is distributed across several disk drives,
similar to Level 0, which are a stripe across a number of mirrored sets for data protection.
RAID 10(1E) provides the highest read/write performance of any of the Hybrid RAID
levels, but at the cost of doubling the required data storage capacity.
13
Software Operation Manual
1.2.4 RAID 3
RAID 3 provides disk striping and complete data redundancy though a
dedicated parity drive. RAID 3 breaks up data into smaller blocks, calculates
parity by performing an exclusive-or on the blocks, and then writes the blocks to
all but one drive in the array. The parity data created during the exclusive-or is
then written to the last drive in the array. If a single drive fails, data is still
available by computing the exclusive-or of the contents corresponding strips of
the surviving member disk. RAID 3 is best for applications that require very fast
data- transfer rates or long data blocks.
1.2.5 RAID 5
RAID 5 is sometimes called striping with parity at byte level. In RAID 5, the parity
information is written to all of the drives in the controllers rather than
concentrated on a dedicated parity disk. If one drive in the system fails, the
parity information can be used to reconstruct the data from that drive. All drives
in the array system can be used to seek operation at the same time, greatly
increasing the performance of the RAID system. This relieves the write
bottle-neck that characterizes RAID 4, and is the primary reason that RAID 5 is
more often implemented in RAID arrays.
14
Chapter 1. Introduction
1.2.6 RAID 6
RAID 6 provides highest reliability, but not widely used. Similar to RAID 5, but
does two different parity computations or the same computation on overlapping
subsets of the data. The RAID 6 can offer fault tolerance greater that RAID 1 or
RAID 5 but only consumes the capacity of 2 disk drives for distributed parity
data. RAID 6 is an extension of RAID 5 that uses a second independent
distributed parity scheme. Data is striped on a block level across a set of drives,
and then a second set of parity is calculated and writ-ten across all of the drives.
15
Software Operation Manual
1.2.7 RAID x0
RAID level-x0 refers to RAID level 30, 50 and 60. RAID x0 is a combination
multiple RAID x volume sets with RAID 0 (striping). Striping helps to increase
capacity and performance without adding disks to each RAID x array. The
operating system uses the spanned volume in the same way as a regular
volume. Up to one drive in each sub-volume (RAID 3 or 5) may fail without loss
of data. Up to two drives in each sub-volume (RAID 6) may fail without loss of
data.
RAID level x0 allows more physical drives in an array. The benefits of doing so
are larger volume sets, increased performance, and increased reliability.
The following illustration is an example of a RAID level x0 logical drive.
Note
RAID level 30, 50 and 60 can support up to eight sub-Volumes
(RAID set). If the volume is RAID level 30, 50, or 60, you cannot
change the volume to another RAID level. If the volume is RAID
level 0, 1, 10, 3, 5, or 6, you cannot change the volume to RAID level
30, 50, or 60.
16
Chapter 1. Introduction
1.2.8 JBOD
(Just a Bunch Of Disks) A group of hard disks in a RAID subsystem are not set
up as any type of RAID configuration. All drives are available to the operating
system as an individual disk. JBOD does not provide data redundancy.
1.2.9 Single Disk (Pass-Through Disk)
Pass through disk refers to a drive that is not controlled by the RAID firmware
and thus can not be a part of a RAID volume. The drive is available to the
operating system as an individual disk.
1.2.10 Summary of RAID Levels
RAID subsystem supports RAID Levels 0, 1, 10(1E), 3, 5, 6, 30, 50 and 60. The
following table provides a summary of RAID levels.
Feature and Performance
RAID
Description
Level
0
1
Also known as stripping.
Data distributed across multiple drives in
the array. There is no data protection
Disks
requirement
(Cost)
N
Also known as mirroring.
All data replicated on N Separated disks.
N is almost always 2.
2
This is a high availability Solution, but due
to the 100% duplication, it is also a costly
solution.
10
(1E)
3
Also known Block-Interleaved Parity.
Data and parity information is subdivided
and distributed across all disk. Parity must
be the equal to the smallest disk capacity
in the array. Parity information normally
stored on a dedicated parity disk.
Data Transfer
Rate
I/O Request
Rates
* No data
Protection.
Very High
Very High for
Both Reads and
Writes
* Lower than
RAID 6.
Reads are
Higher Than a
single disk;
Reads are twice
faster than a
single disk;
* Higher than
RAID3,5
* Lower than
RAID 6.
N (N>2)
Also known Bit-Interleaved Parity.
Data and parity information is subdivided
and distributed across all disk. Parity must
be the equal to the smallest disk capacity
in the array. Parity information normally
stored on a dedicated parity disk.
Data Reliability
Writes similar to Write are similar
a single disk.
to a single disk.
Transfer rates
more similar to
RAID 1 than
RAID 0
Reads are twice
faster than a
single disk;
* Lower than
RAID 1, 10,
and 6.
Reads are
similar to RAID
0;
* Higher than a
single drive.
Writes are
slower than a
single disk.
Reads are
similar twice
faster than a
single disk;
* Higher than
RAID3,5
N+1
Write are similar
to a single disk.
Write are similar
to a single disk.
17
Software Operation Manual
5
Also known Block-Interleaved Distributed
Parity.
Data and parity information is subdivided
and distributed across all disk. Parity must
be the equal to the smallest disk capacity
in the array. Parity information normally
stored on a dedicated parity disk.
6
30
50
60
18
RAID 6 provides highest reliability, but not
widely used. Similar to RAID 5, but does
two different parity computations or the
same computation on overlapping
subsets of the data. The RAID 6 can offer
fault tolerance greater that RAID 1 or
RAID 5 but only consumes the capacity of
2 disk drives for distributed parity data.
N+1
* Lower than
RAID 1, 10,
and 6.
Reads are
similar to RAID
0;
Reads are
similar to RAID
0;
* Higher than a
single drive.
Writes are
slower than a
single disk.
Writes are
slower than a
single disk.
* Highest
reliability
Reads are
similar to RAID
0;
Reads are
similar to RAID
0;
Writes are
slower than
RAID 5.
Writes are
slower than
RAID 5.
N+2
RAID 30 is a combination multiple
RAID 3 volume sets with RAID 0
(striping)
(N+1)
*2
Up to one disk
failure in each
sub-volume
RAID 50 is a combination multiple
RAID 5 volume sets with RAID 0
(striping)
(N+1)
*2
Up to one disk
failure in each
sub-volume
RAID 60 is a combination multiple
RAID 6 volume sets with RAID 0
(striping)
(N+2)
*2
Up to two disk
failure in each
sub-volume
Chapter 2. Configuration Methods
Chapter 2. Configuration Methods
22..11 O
Ovveerrvviieew
w
After the hardware installation, the SAS/SATA disk drives installed to the RAID
subsystem must be configured and the volume set units initialized before they
are ready to use. This can be accomplished by one of the following methods:
•
Front panel touch-control keypad
•
McBIOS RAID manager via BIOS (for PCI-e RAID only)
•
Remote utility connected through the controller’s serial port (VT-100 or
Hyper terminal)
•
Using HTTP Proxy through the controller’s serial port to access web
browser-based RAID manager in Windows and Linux system.
•
Firmware-embedded TCP/IP & web browser-based RAID manager via the
controller’s 10/100 Ethernet LAN port.
Those user interfaces can access the built-in configuration and administration
utility that resides in the controller’s firmware. They provide complete control
and management of the controller and disk arrays, eliminating the need for
additional hardware or software.
Note
The RAID subsystem allows only one method to access menus at a
time.
19
Software Operation Manual
22..22 U
Ussiinngg llooccaall ffrroonntt ppaanneell ttoouucchh--ccoonnttrrooll
kkeeyyppaadd
The front panel keypad and liquid crystal display (LCD) is the primary user
interface for the RAID subsystem. All configuration and management of the
RAID and its properly connected disk arrays can be performed from this
interface.
The front panel keypad and LCD are connected to the RAID subsystem to
access the built-in configuration and administration utility that resides in the
controller’s firmware. Complete control and management of the array’s physical
drives and logical units can be performed from the front panel, requiring no
additional hardware or software drivers for that purpose.
This Chapter provides, in quick reference form, procedures that use the built-in
LCD panel to configure and operate the controller.
A touch-control keypad and a liquid crystal display (LCD) mounted on the front
panel of the RAID subsystem is the primary operational interface and monitor
display for the disk array controller. This user interface controls all configuration
and management functions for the RAID subsystem controller and for all SAS
/SATA disk array subsystems to which it is properly connected.
The LCD provides a system of screens with areas for information, status
indication, or menus. The LCD screen displays up to two lines at a time of menu
items or other information.
The Initial screen is as following:
20
Chapter 2. Configuration Methods
2.2.1 Function Key Definitions
The four function keys at the button of the front panel perform the following
functions:
Key
Function
Up Arrow
Use to scroll the cursor Upward / Rightward
Down Arrow Use to scroll the cursor Downward / Leftward
ENT Key
Submit Select ion Function (Confirm a selected item)
ESC Key
Return to Previous Screen (Exit a selection configuration)
There are three LED indicators on the front panel. Following table provides a
summary of the meanings of these LED indicators:
LED Indicator Normal Status
Problem Indication
Power On
indicator
This LED does not light up after
power switched on
Bright Blue
Fail Indicator LED never light up
Data Access
Indicator
LED light up as Red.
Blink blue during host computer LED never flickers
accessing the RAID subsystem.
For additional information on using the LCD panel and keypad to configure the
RAID, refer to”LCD Panel Configuration” on Chapter 3.
22..33 M
MccB
BIIO
OS
SR
RA
AIID
DM
Maannaaggeerr ((ffoorr PPCCII--ee RRAAIIDD oonnllyy))
This section explains how to use the McBIOS RAID manager to configure your
RAID system. The McBIOS RAID manager is designed to be user-friendly. It is a
menu-driven program, residing in the firmware, which allows you to scroll
through various menus and sub-menus and select among the predetermined
configuration options.
When starting a system with a SAS RAID controller installed, it will display the
following message on the monitor during the start-up sequence (after the
system BIOS startup screen but before the operating system boots):
The McBIOS RAID manager message remains on your screen for about nine
seconds, giving you time to start the configuration menu by pressing Tab or F6.
If you do not wish to enter configuration menu, press ESC to skip configuration
immediately. When activated, the McBIOS RAID manager window appears
showing a selection dialog box listing the SAS RAID controllers that are
installed in the system.
21
Software Operation Manual
The legend at the bottom of the screen shows you what keys are enabled for the
windows.
For additional information on using the McBIOS Manager to configure the RAID
controller see the McRAID Storage Manager section in Chapter 5.
22..44 U
Ussiinngg tthhee ccoonnttrroolllleerr’’ss sseerriiaall ppoorrtt
The serial port on the RAID subsystem’s back panel can be used in Remote
manage mode. The provided interface cable converts the RS232 signal of the
6-pin RJ11 connector on the RAID subsystem into a 9-pin D-Sub female
connector. The firmware-based terminal array management interface can
access the array through this RS-232 port. You can attach a VT-100 compatible
terminal or a PC running a “Hyper terminal” program to the serial port for
accessing the text-based Setup Menu.
RAID subsystem RS-232C Port Pin Assignment
To ensure proper communications between the RAID subsystem and the
VT-100 Terminal Emulation, please configure the VT100 terminal emulation
settings to the values shown below:
Terminal requirement
Connection
Null-modem cable
Baud Rate
115,200
Data bits
8
Stop
1
Flow Control
None
22
Chapter 2. Configuration Methods
The RAID Subsystem’s 6-pin RJ11 connector’s pin assignments are defined as
below:
RJ11 Pin Assignments
Pin
Description
Pin
Description
1
RTS
4
GND
2
RXD
5
GND
3
TXD
6
GND
2.4.1 Keyboard Navigation
The following definition is the VT-100 RAID configuration utility keyboard
navigation.
Key
Function
Arrow Key
Move cursor
Enter Key
Submit selection function
ESC Key
Return to previous screen
L Key
Line draw
X Key
Redraw
2.4.2 Start-up VT100 Screen
By connecting a VT100 compatible terminal, or a PC operating in an equivalent
terminal emulation mode, all RAID subsystem monitoring, configuration and
administration functions can be exercised from the VT100 terminal.
There are a wide variety of Terminal Emulation packages, but for the most part
they should be very similar. The following setup procedure is an example Setup
of VT100 Terminal in Windows system using Hyper Terminal Version 3.0 or
higher.
23
Software Operation Manual
Step 1. From the Desktop open the Start menu. Pick Programs, Accessories,
Communications and Hyper Terminal. Open Hyper Terminal (requires version
3.0 or higher)
Step 2. Open HYPERTRM.EXE.
24
Chapter 2. Configuration Methods
Step 3. Enter a name for your Terminal. Click OK.
Step 4. Select an appropriate connecting port in your Terminal. Click OK
25
Software Operation Manual
Step 5. Configure the port parameter settings. Bits per second: “115200”, Data
bits: “8”, Parity: “None”, Stop bits: “1”, Flow control: “None”. Click OK
Step 6. Open the File menu, and then open Properties.
26
Chapter 2. Configuration Methods
Step 7. Open the Settings Tab.
Step 8. Open the Settings Tab. Function, arrow and ctrl keys act as: Terminal
Keys, Backspace key sends: Ctrl + H, Emulation: VT100, Telnet terminal:
VT100, Back scroll buffer lines: 500. Click OK.
Now, the VT100 is ready to use.
27
Software Operation Manual
After you have finished the VT100 Terminal setup, you may press " X " key (in
your Terminal) to link the RAID subsystem and Terminal together.
Press “X” key to display the disk array Monitor Utility screen on your VT100
Terminal.
28
Chapter 2. Configuration Methods
22..55 FFiirrm
mw
waarree--eem
mbbeeddddeedd TTC
CP
P//IIP
P&
&w
weebb
bbrroow
wsseerr--bbaasseedd R
RA
AIID
Dm
maannaaggeerr ((uussiinngg tthhee
ccoonnttrroolllleerr’’ss 1100//110000 E
Etthheerrnneett LLA
AN
N ppoorrtt))
To ensure proper communications between the RAID subsystem and Web
browser-based RAID management, Please connect the RAID system Ethernet
LAN port to any LAN switch port.
The controller has embedded the TCP/IP & Web Browser-based RAID manager
in the firmware. User can remotely manage the RAID system, without adding
any specific software (platform independent), via standard web browsers
directly connected to the 10/100 Ethernet RJ45 LAN port.
To configure RAID subsystem on a local or remote machine, you need to know
its IP Address. The IP address will be default shown in the LCD screen. Launch
your firmware-embedded TCP/IP & Web Browser-based RAID manager by
entering http://[IP Address] in the web browser.
Note that you must be logged in as administrator with local admin rights on the
remote machine to remotely configure it. The RAID subsystem controller default
username is “admin” and the password is “0000”.
Note
The RAID subsystem controller default User Name is “admin” and
the Password is “0000”. Please change the Password when you first
log-in.
29
Software Operation Manual
22..66 C
Coonnffiigguurraattiioonn M
Meennuu TTrreeee
The following is an expansion of the menus in the configuration Utility that can
be accessed through the LCD panel, RS-232 serial port and Ethernet LAN port.
Main Menus
Quick Function
Quick Create
Raid Set Functions
Create Raid Set
Delete Raid Set
Expand Raid Set
Offline Raid Set
Activate Incomplete RAID Set
Create Hot Spare
Delete Hot Spare
Rescue Raid Set
Volume Set Functions
Create Volume Set
Create Raid30/50/60
Delete Volume Set
Modify Volume Set
Check Volume Set
Schedule Volume Check
Stop Volume Set Check
Physical Drives
Create Pass-Through Disk
Modify a Pass-Through Disk
Delete Pass-Through Disk
Identify Enclosure
Identify Drive
System Controls
System Configuration
Hdd Power Management
Fibre Channel Configuration(only for FC)
30
Chapter 2. Configuration Methods
EtherNet Configuration
Alert By Mail Configuration
SNMP Configuration
NTP Configuration
View Events/Mute Beeper
Generate Test Event
Clear Event Buffer
Modify Password
Shutdown Controller
Upgrade Firmware
Restart Controller
Information
RAID Set Hierarchy
System Information
Hardware Monitor
31
Software Operation Manual
Chapter 3. LCD Panel Configuration
The Yotta 3 SAS/SATA RAID’s LCD configuration panel is character-based
which you can use after powering the unit. Use LCD Configuration panel to:
· Create RAID set,
. Expand RAID set,
· Define volume set,
· Add physical drive
· Modify volume set
· Modify RAID level/stripe size,
. Define pass-through disk drives,
. Modify system function and
· Designate drives as hot spares.
The LCD display front panel function keys are the primary user interface for the
RAID subsystem. Except for the "Firmware update", all configurations can be
performed through this interface.
33..11 S
Sttaarrttiinngg LLC
CD
DC
Coonnffiigguurraattiioonn U
Uttiilliittyy
The main menu appears on the LCD screen, as shown below:
Use the up and down arrow buttons to move left and right to select a menu item.
Press ENT to select the item. Press the UP/DOWN to browse the selection.
Press ESC to return to the previous screen.
33..22 LLC
CD
DC
Coonnffiigguurraattiioonn U
Uttiilliittyy M
Maaiinn M
Meennuu
O
Oppttiioonnss
Select an option and the related information or submenu items displayed
beneath it. The submenus for each item are explained on the following sections.
The configuration utility main menu options are:
Option
Quick Volume And Raid
Set Setup
Raid Set Functions
Description
Create a default configurations which are based
on the number of physical disk installed
Create a customized RAID set
Volume Set Functions
Create a customized volume set
Physical Drive Functions View individual disk information
32
Chapter 3. LCD Panel Configuration
Raid System Functions Setting the RAID system configurations
Fibre Channel Config
(only for FC)
Ethernet Configuration
To set the Fibre channel config function
LAN Port setting
Views System Events
Record all system events in the buffer
Clear Event Buffer
Clear all event buffer information
Hardware Monitor
Show all system environment status
System Information
View the controller information
33..33 C
Coonnffiigguurriinngg R
Raaiidd S
Seettss aanndd V
Voolluum
mee S
Seettss
You can configure RAID sets and volume sets either using “Quick Volume and
Raid Set Setup” automatically or “Raid Set Functions/Volume Set Functions”
manually configuration method. Each configuration method requires a different
level of user input. The general flow of operations for RAID set and volume set
configuration is:
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Designate hot
spares/pass-throu
gh (optional).
Choose a
configuration
method.
Create RAID set
using the
available
physical drives.
Define volume
set using the
space in the
RAID set.
Step 5
Initialize the
volume set and
use volume set
in the HOST
OS.
33..44 D
Deessiiggnnaattiinngg D
Drriivveess aass H
Hoott S
Sppaarreess
To designate drives as hot spares, press ENT to enter the Main menu. Press
UP/DOWN to select the Raid Set Functions option and then press ENT. All
RAID set functions will be displayed. Press UP/DOWN to select the Create Hot
Spare Disk option and then press ENT. The first unused physical device
connected to the current controller appears: Press UP/DOWN to scroll the
unused physical devices and select the target disk to assign as a Hot Spare and
33
Software Operation Manual
press ENT to designate it as a hot spare.
The “Create Hot Spare” gives you the ability to define a global or dedicated hot
spare. Unlike “Global Hot Spare” which can be used with any RAID sets,
“Dedicated Hot Spare” can only be used with a specific RAID set or Enclosure.
When a disk drive fails in the RAID set or enclosure with a dedicated Hot Spare
is pre-set, data on the disk drive is rebuild automatically on the dedicated hot
spare disk.
33..55 U
Ussiinngg Q
Quuiicckk V
Voolluum
mee aanndd R
Raaiidd S
Seett S
Seettuupp
In “Quick Volume and Raid Setup” Configuration, it collects all drives and
includes them in a RAID set. The RAID set you create is associated with exactly
one volume set, and you can modify the RAID level, stripe size, and capacity.
Designating drives as Hot Spares will also combine with RAID level in this
setup.
The volume set default settings will be:
Parameter
Setting
Volume Name
Volume Set # 00
SAS Port#/LUN Base/LUN
0/0/0
Cache Mode
Write Back
Tag Queuing
Yes
The default setting values can be changed after configuration is complete.
Follow the steps below to create RAID set using “Quick Volume and Raid Setup”
Configuration:
Step1
Choose “Quick Volume And Raid Setup” from the main menu. The available
RAID levels and associated Hot Spare for the current volume set drive are
displayed.
Step2
RAID Level Try to use drives of the same capacity in a specific array. If you use
drives with different capacities in an array, all the drives in the array is treated
as though they have the capacity of the smallest drive in the array.
The number of physical drives in a specific array determines the RAID levels
that can be implemented with the array.
RAID 0 requires one or more physical drives,
RAID 1 requires at least 2 physical drives,
RAID 1+ Spare requires more than 2 physical drives,
RAID 3 requires at least 3 physical drives,
34
Chapter 3. LCD Panel Configuration
RAID 5 requires at least 3 physical drives,
RAID 6 requires at least 4 physical drives,
RAID 3+ Spare requires at least 4 physical drives, and
RAID 5+ Spare requires at least 4 physical drives.
RAID 6+ Spare requires at least 5 physical drives.
RAID 30 requires at least 6 physical drives,
RAID 50 requires at least 6 physical drives,
RAID 60 requires at least 8 physical drives,
RAID 30+ Spare requires at least 7 physical drives, and
RAID 50+ Spare requires at least 7 physical drives.
RAID 60+ Spare require at least 9 physical drives.
Using the UP/DOWN key to select the RAID for the volume set and presses
ENT to confirm it.
Step3
Step4
Using UP/DOWN buttons to create the current volume set capacity size and
press ENT to confirm it. The available stripe sizes for the current volume set are
displayed.
Using UP/DOWN buttons to select the current volume set stripe size and press
ENT key to confirm it. This parameter specifies the size of the stripes written to
each disk in a RAID 0, 1, 10(1E), or 5 volume set. You can set the stripe size to
4 KB, 8 KB, 16 KB, 32 KB, 64 KB, or 128 KB. A larger stripe size provides
better-read performance, especially if your computer does mostly sequential
reads. However, if you are sure that your computer does random read requests
more often, choose a small stripe size.
Step5
When you are finished defining the volume set, press ENT to confirm the
“Quick Volume And Raid Set Setup” function.
Press ENT to define “FGrnd Init (Foreground initialization)” or press ESC to
Step6
define “BGrnd Init (Background initialization)“. When “FGrnd Init", the
initialization proceeds must be completed before the volume set ready for
system accesses. When “BGrnd Init", the initialization proceeds as a
background task, the volume set is fully accessible for system reads and writes.
The operating system can instantly access to the newly created arrays without
requiring a reboot and waiting the initialization complete.
The controller will begin to Initialize the volume set you have just configured.
Step7
35
Software Operation Manual
Step8
If you need to add additional volume set using main menu “Create Raid Volume
Set” function.
33..66 U
Ussiinngg R
Raaiidd S
Seett aanndd V
Voolluum
mee S
Seett FFuunnccttiioonnss
In “Raid Set Function”, you can use the Create Raid Set function to generate the
new RAID set. In “Volume Set Function”, you can use the Create Volume Set
function to generate its associated volume set and parameters.
If the current controller has unused physical devices connected, you can
choose the “Create Hot Spare” option in the “Raid Set Function” to define a
global hot spare.
Select this method to configure new RAID sets and volume sets. This
configuration option allows you to associate volume set with partial and full
RAID set.
Step1
To setup the Hot Spare (option), choose “Raid Set Function” from the main
menu. Select the “Create Hot Spare” and press ENT to set the Hot Spare.
Step2
Choose “Raid Set Function” from the main menu. Select the “Create Raid Set”
and press ENT.
Step3
A Select Drive Channel in the next displayed showing the drive connected to
the current controller.
Step4
Press the UP/ DOWN to select specific physical drives. Press the ENT to
associate the selected physical drive with the current RAID set.
Try to use drives of the same capacity in a specific RAID set. If you use drives
with different capacities in an array, all the drives in the array is treated as
though they have the capacity of the smallest drive in the array.
The number of physical drives in a specific RAID set determines the RAID
levels that can be implemented with the RAID set.
RAID 0 requires one or more physical drives per RAID set.
RAID 1 requires at least 2 physical drives per RAID set.
RAID 1+ Spare requires at least 3 physical drives per RAID set.
RAID 3 requires at least 3 physical drives per RAID set.
RAID 5 requires at least 3 physical drives per RAID set.
RAID 6 requires at least 4 physical drives per RAID set.
36
Chapter 3. LCD Panel Configuration
RAID 3+ Spare requires at least 4 physical drives per RAID set.
RAID 5+ Spare requires at least 4 physical drives per RAID set.
RAID 6+ Spare requires at least 5 physical drives per RAID set.
RAID 30 requires at least 6 physical drives,
RAID 50 requires at least 6 physical drives,
RAID 60 requires at least 8 physical drives,
RAID 30+ Spare requires at least 7 physical drives, and
RAID 50+ Spare requires at least 7 physical drives.
RAID 60+ Spare require at least 9 physical drives.
Step5
After adding physical drives to the current RAID set as desired, press ESC to
confirm the Select Drive Channel function.
Press ENT when you are finished creating the current RAID set. To continue
Step6
Step7
defining another RAID set, repeat step 3. To begin volume set configuration, go
to step 7.
Choose “Volume Set Functions” from the main menu. Select the “Create Raid
Volume Set” and press ENT.
Choose one RAID set from the Select Raid Set screen. Press ENT to confirm it.
Step8
The volume set attributes screen appears:
Step9
The volume set attributes screen shows the volume set default configuration
value that is currently being configured. The volume set attributes are:
Volume Name.
Raid Level,
Capacity (Not supported via LCD Panel.)
Stripe Size,
Cache Mode,
SAS Port/SAS LUN Base/SAS LUN, Fibre Port/ Fibre Lun Base/Fibre LUN
Tagged Queuing,
All value can be changing by the user. Press the UP/ DOWN to select the
attributes. Press the ENT to modify each attribute of the default value. Using
the UP/DOWN to select attribute value and press the ENT to accept the default
value
37
Software Operation Manual
Step10
Step11
Step12
After user completes modifying the attribute, press the ESC to enter the Select
Capacity for the volume set. Using the UP/DOWN to set the volume set
capacity and press ENT to confirm it.
When you are finished defining the volume set, press ENT to confirm the
Create function.
Press ENT to define “FGrnd Init (Foreground initialization)” or press ESC to
define “BGrnd Init (Background initialization)“. The controller will begin to
initialize the volume set, you have just configured. If space remains in the RAID
set, the next volume set can be configured. Repeat steps 7 to 12 to configure
another volume set.
33..77 N
Naavviiggaattiioonn M
Maapp ooff tthhee C
Coonnffiigguurraattiioonn
The password option allows user to set or clear the RAID subsystem’s
password protection feature. Once the password has been set, the user can
only monitor and configure the RAID subsystem by providing the correct
password. The password is used to protect the internal RAID subsystem from
unauthorized entry. The controller will check the password only when entering
the Main menu from the initial screen. The RAID subsystem will automatically
go back to the initial screen when it does not receive any command in twenty
seconds. The RAID subsystem password’s default setting is 0000 by the
manufacturer.
3.7.1 Quick Volume and Raid Setup
“Quick Volume and Raid Setup” is the fastest way to prepare a RAID set and
volume set. It only needs a few keystrokes to complete it. Although disk drives
of different capacity may be used in the RAID set, it will use the smallest
capacity of the disk drive as the capacity of all disk drives in the RAID set. The
“Quick Volume and Raid Setup” option creates a RAID set with the following
properties:
1.
All of the physical disk drives are contained in a RAID set.
2.
The RAID levels associated with hot spare, capacity, and stripe size are
selected during the configuration process.
3.
A single volume set is created and consumes all or a portion of the disk
capacity available in this RAID set.
4.
If you need to add additional volume set, use main menu “Volume Set
functions”.
38
Chapter 3. LCD Panel Configuration
Detail procedure references to this chapter’s section 3.7.3
3.7.2 Raid Set Function
User manual configuration can completely control the RAID set setting, but it will
take longer time to complete than the “Quick Volume and Raid Setup”
configuration. Select the “Raid Set Function” to manually configure the RAID set
for the first time or delete existing RAID set and reconfigure the RAID set.
To enter a “Raid Set Functions”, press ENT to enter the Main menu. Press
UP/DOWN to select the “Raid Set Functions” option and then press ENT to
enter further submenus. All RAID set submenus will be displayed.
39
Software Operation Manual
3.7.2.1 Create A New Raid Set
For detailed procedure please refer to chapter section 3.6.
3.7.2.2 Delete Raid Set
Press UP/DOWN to choose the “Delete Raid Set” option. Using UP/DOWN to
select the RAID set number that user wants to delete and then press ENT to
accept the RAID set number. The Confirmation screen appears, then press ENT
to accept the delete RAID set function. The double confirmation screens appears, then press ENT to make sure to delete the existed RAID set function
40
Chapter 3. LCD Panel Configuration
3.7.2.3 Expand Raid Set
Instead of deleting a RAID set and recreating it with additional disk drives, the
“Expand Existed Raid Set” function allows the user to add disk drives to the
RAID set that was created.
To expand existed RAID set, press UP/DOWN buttons to choose the “Expand
Raid Set” option. Using UP/DOWN buttons to select the RAID set number that
user want to expand and then press ENT to accept the RAID set number. If
there is an available disk, then the “Select Drive” appears. Using UP/DOWN
buttons to select the target disk and then press ENT to select it. Press ENT to
start expanding the existed RAID set. The new add capacity will be define one
or more volume sets. Follow the instruction presented in the “Volume Set
Function” to create the volume sets.
Migrating occurs when a disk is added to a RAID set. Migration status is
displayed in the RAID status area of the “Raid Set information” when a disk is
added to a RAID set. Migrating status is also displayed in the associated volume
status area of the volume set information when a disk is added to a RAID set.
Note
1. Once the “Expand Raid Set” process has started, user can not
stop it. The process must be completed.
2. If a disk drive fails during RAID set expansion and a hot spare is
available, an auto rebuild operation will occur after the RAID set
expansion completes.
3.7.2.4 Offline Raid Set
Press UP/DOWN buttons to choose the “Offline Raid Set” option. This function
is for customer being able to unmount and remount a multi-disk volume. All
hdds of the selected RAID set will be put into offline state, spun down and fault
LED will be in fast blinking mode.
3.7.2.5 Activate Incomplete Raid Set
When one of the disk drive is removed or loosed connection in power off state,
the RAID set state will change to Incomplete State. If user wants to continue to
work, when the RAID subsystem is power on. User can use the “Activate
Incomplete Raid Set” option to active the RAID set. After user completed the
function, the “Raid State” will change to “Degraded” mode.
3.7.2.6 Create Hot Spare Disk
Please reference this chapter: Designating Drives as Hot Spares.
41
Software Operation Manual
3.7.2.7 Delete Hot Spare Disk
To delete hot spare, press UP/DOWN to choose the Delete Hot Spare Disk
option. Using UP/DOWN to select the hot spare number that user wants to
delete and then press ENT to select it. The confirmation screens appear and
press ENT to delete the hot spare.
3.7.2.8 Display RAID Set Information
Choose the “Display Raid Set Information” option and press ENT. Using
UP/DOWN buttons to select the RAID set number. Then the RAID set
information will be displayed.
Using UP/DOWN buttons to see the RAID set information, it will show Raid Set
Name, Total Capacity, Free Capacity, Number of Member Disks, Min. Member
Disk Capacity, Raid Set State and Raid Power Status.
3.7.3 Volume Set Function
A volume set is seen by the host system as a single logical device. It is
organized in a RAID level with one or more physical disks. RAID level refers to
the level of data performance and protection of a volume set. A volume set
capacity can consume all or a portion of the disk capacity available in a RAID set.
Multiple volume sets can exist on a group of disks in a RAID set. Additional
volume sets created in a specified RAID set will reside on all the physical disks
in the RAID set. Thus each volume set on the RAID set will have its data spread
evenly across all the disks in the RAID set.
To enter the “Volume Set Functions”, press ENT to enter the main menu. Press
UP/DOWN buttons to select the “Volume Set Functions” option and then press
ENT to enter further submenus. All volume set submenus will be displayed.
42
Chapter 3. LCD Panel Configuration
3.7.3.1 Create Raid Volume Set
To create a volume set, Please reference to section 4.6: Using “Raid Set and
Volume Set Functions”. The volume set attributes screen shows the volume set
default configuration value that is currently being configured. The attributes are
Volume Name, Raid Level, Stripe Size, Cache Mode, SAS Port/SAS LUN
Base/SAS LUN, Tagged Queuing, and Initialization Mode.
All value can be changed by the user. Press the UP/DOWN to select attribute.
Press the ENT to modify the default value. Using the UP/DOWN to select
attribute value and press the ENT to accept the default value. The following is
43
Software Operation Manual
the attributes descriptions. Please refer to section 4.6 Using “Raid Set and
Volume Set” Functions to complete the create volume set function.
3.7.3.1.1 Volume Name
The default volume name will always appear as volume set #. You can rename
the volume set name providing it does not exceed the 15 characters limit.
3.7.3.1.2 Raid Level
RAID subsystem can support RAID level 0, 1, 10 (1E), 3, 5, 6, 30, 50, and 60.
3.7.3.1.3 Capacity
Enter the appropriate volume size to fit your application. The capacity can also
increase or decrease by the UP and DOWN arrow keys. Each volume set has a
selected capacity which is less than or equal to the total capacity of the RAID set
on which it resides.
3.7.3.1.4 Strip Size
This parameter sets the size of the segment written to each disk in a RAID 0, 1,
10 (1E), 5, 6, 50 or 60 logical drives. You can set the stripe size to 4 KB, 8 KB, 16
KB, 32 KB, 64 KB, or 128 KB.
A larger stripe size produces better-read performance, especially if your
computer does mostly sequential reads. However, if you are sure that your
computer does random reads more often, select a small stripe size.
3.7.3.1.5 Cache Mode
User can set the cache mode as Write-Through Cache or Write-Back Cache.
3.7.3.1.6 SAS Port/SAS LUN Base/SAS LUN
SAS Port: Two 4-lanes SAS ports can be applied to the RAID subsystem. The
RAID subsystem supports Port 0, 1 and 0&1 cluster option.
SAS LUN base: Each SAS device attached to the SAS host adapter must be
assigned a unique SAS ID number. A SAS port can connect up to 122 (0 to 121)
devices. The RAID subsystem is as a large SAS device. We should assign an
LUN base from a list of SAS LUN Base.
SAS LUN: Each LUN Base can support up to 8 SAS LUNs. Most SAS port host
adapter treats each SAS LUN like a SAS disk.
3.7.3.1.7 Fibre Port/Fibre LUN Base/Fibre LUN
Fibre Port: Quad 8Gb/s Fibre channel can be applied to the internal RAID
subsystem. Choose the Fibre Host# 0~3. A Select Fibre Channel dialog box
appears, select the channel number and press Enter key to confirm it.
Fibre LUN Base: Each fibre device attached to the Fibre card, as well as the
44
Chapter 3. LCD Panel Configuration
card itself, must be assigned a unique fibre ID number. A Fibre channel can
connect up to 128(0 to 127) devices. The RAID subsystem is as a large Fibre
device. We should assign an LUN base from a list of Fibre LUN Base.
Fibre LUN: Each Fibre LUN base can support up to 8 LUNs. Most Fibre
Channel host adapter treats each LUN like a Fibre disk.
3.7.3.1.8 Tag Queuing
The Enabled option is useful for enhancing overall system performance under
multi-tasking operating systems. The Command Tag (Drive Channel) function
controls the SAS command tag queuing support for each drive channel. This
function should normally remain enabled. Disable this function only when using
older SAS drives that do not support command tag queuing.
3.7.3.1.9 Initialization Mode
Press ENT to define “FGrnd Init (Foreground initialization)” or press ESC to
define “BGrnd Init (Background initialization)“. When “FGrnd Init", the
initialization proceeds must be completed before the volume set ready for
system accesses. When “BGrnd Init", the initialization proceeds as a
background task, the volume set is fully accessible for system reads and writes.
The operating system can instantly access to the newly created arrays without
requiring a reboot and waiting the initialization complete.
3.7.3.2 Delete Volume Set
Choose the "Delete Volume Set" option. Using UP/DOWN buttons to select the
raid set number that user want to delete and press ENT. The confirmation
screen appears, then press ENT to accept the delete volume set function. The
double confirmation screen appears, then press ENT to make sure of the delete
volume set function.
3.7.3.3 Modify Volume Set
Use this option to modify volume set configuration. To modify volume set
attributes from RAID set system function, press up and down arrow to choose
the “Modify Volume Set Attribute” option. Using UP/DOWN buttons to select the
RAID set number that user want to modify and press ENT.
Press ENT to select the existed volume set attribute. The volume set attributes
screen shows the volume set setting configuration attributes that was currently
being configured. The attributes are Raid Level, Stripe Size, Cache Mode, SAS
Port/ SAS LUN Base/SAS LUN, Fibre Port/Fibre LUN Base/Fibre LUN, and
Tagged Queuing and Volume Name (number). All value can be modified by user.
Press the UP/DOWN buttons to select attribute. Press ENT to modify the default
value. Using the UP/DOWN buttons to select attribute value and press the ENT
to accept the selection value. Choose this option to display the properties of the
selected volume set.
45
Software Operation Manual
3.7.3.3.1 Volume Set Migration
Migrating occurs when a volume set is migrating from one RAID level to another,
a volume set strip size changes, or when a disk is added to a raid set. Migration
status is displayed in the volume state area of the “Display Volume Set”
Information.
3.7.3.4 Check Volume Set Consistency
Use this option to check volume set consistency. To check volume set
consistency from volume set system function, press UP/DOWN buttons to
choose the “Check Volume Set Consistency” option. Using UP/DOWN button to
select the RAID set number that user want to check and press ENT. The
confirmation screen appears, Press ENT to start the check volume set
consistency.
3.7.3.5 Stop Volume Set Consistency Check
Use this option to stop volume set consistency check. To stop volume set
consistency check from volume set system function, press UP/DOWN buttons
to choose the "Stop Volume Set Consistency Check" option and then press ENT
to stop the check volume set consistency.
3.7.3.6 Display Volume Set Information
To display volume set information from volume set function, press UP/DOWN
buttons to choose the "Display Volume Set Information" option. Using
UP/DOWN buttons to select the raid set number that user wants to show and
press ENT. The volume set information will show Volume Set Name, Raid Set
Name, Volume Capacity, Port Attribute, RAID Level, Stripe Size, Member Disks,
Cache Attribute and Tagged Queuing. All value cannot be modifying by this
option.
3.7.4 Physical Drive
Choose this option from the main menu to select a physical disk and to perform
the operations listed below. To enter a physical drive functions, press ENT to
enter the main menu. Press UP/DOWN buttons to select the "Physical Drive
Functions" option and then press ENT to enter further submenus. All physical
drive submenus will be displayed.
46
Chapter 3. LCD Panel Configuration
3.7.4.1 Display Drive Information
Using UP/DOWN buttons to choose the “Display Drive Information” option and
press ENT. Using UP/DOWN buttons to select the drive SAS/SATA number that
user wants to display. The drive information will be displayed. The SATA drive
information screen shows the Model Name, Serial Number, Firmware Rev.,
Device Capacity, Current SATA, Supported SATA, and Device State.
3.7.4.2 Create Pass-Through Disk
Disk is not controlled by the RAID subsystem firmware and thus cannot be a
part of a RAID set. The disk is available to the operating system as an individual
47
Software Operation Manual
disk. It is typically used on a system where the operating system is on a disk and
not controlled by the RAID subsystem firmware.
Using UP/DOWN buttons to choose the “Create Pass-Through Disk” option and
press ENT. Using UP/DOWN buttons to select the drive SAS/SATA number that
user wants to create. The drive attributes will be displayed.
The attributes for Pass-Through disk show the Volume Cache Mode, SAS Port/
SAS LUN Base/SAS LUN, Fibre Port/Fibre LUN Base/Fibre LUN, and Tagged
Queuing.
All values can be changed by user. Press the UP/DOWN buttons to attribute
and then press ENT to modify the default value. Using the up and down arrow
buttons to select attribute value and press ENT to accept the selection value.
3.7.4.3 Modify Pass-Through Disk
To modify Pass-Through Disk attributes from Pass Through drive pool, press
UP/DOWN buttons to choose the “Modify Pass-Through Disk” option, and then
press ENT. The select drive function menu will show all Pass Through disk
number items. Using UP/DOWN buttons to select the Pass-Through Disk that
user wants to modify and press ENT. The attributes screen shows the Pass
-Through Disk setting value that was currently being configured
The attributes for Pass-Through Disk are the Volume Cache Mode, Tagged
Command Queuing and SAS Port/ SAS LUN Base/SAS LUN, Fibre Port/Fibre
LUN Base/Fibre LUN. All value can be modified by user. Press UP/DOWN
buttons to select attribute. Press ENT to modify the default value. Using the up
and down arrow buttons to select attribute value and press ENT to accept the
selection value. After completing the modification, press ESC to enter the
confirmation screen and then press ENT to accept the “Modify Pass-Through
Disk” function.
3.7.4.4 Delete Pass-Through Disk
To delete pass-through disk from the pass-through drive pool, press UP/DOWN
buttons to choose the “Delete Pass-Through Disk” option, and then press ENT.
The Select Drive Function menu will show all pass-through disk number items.
Using UP/DOWN buttons to select the pass-through disk that user want to
delete and press ENT. The delete pass-through confirmation screen will appear,
Press ENT to delete it.
3.7.4.5 Identify the Selected Drive
To prevent removing the wrong drive, the selected disk Fault LED indicator will
light for physically locating the selected disk when the “Identify the Selected
Drive” function is selected.
To identify selected drive from the physical drive pool, press UP/DOWN buttons
to choose the “Identify the Selected Drive” option, and then press ENT key. The
Select Drive function menu will show all physical drive number items. Using
UP/DOWN buttons to select the disk that user want to identify and press ENT.
48
Chapter 3. LCD Panel Configuration
The selected disk fault LED indicator will flash.
3.7.5 RAID System Function
To enter a "Raid System Functions", press ENT to enter the main menu. Press
UP/DOWN buttons to select the "Raid System Functions" option and then press
ENT to enter further submenus. All RAID system submenus will be displayed.
Using UP/DOWN buttons to select the submenus option and then press ENT to
enter the selection function.
49
Software Operation Manual
F
DHCP Function
Select DHCP Setting
* Enable
Confirm Change ?
ENT : Yes ESC : No
<Enabled, Disabled> Wrap Around
Local IP Address
Edit The Local IP Address
* 192.168.1.100
Keyin IP Address and Confirm Change
ENT : Yes ESC : No
HTTP Port Number
Edit The HTTP Port Number
* 00080
Keyin Port number and Confirm
Change ENT : Yes ESC : No
Telnet Port Number
Edit The Telnet Port Number
* 00023
Keyin Port number and Confirm
Change ENT : Yes ESC : No
SMTP Port Number
Edit The SMTP Port Number
* 00025
Keyin Port number and Confirm
Change ENT : Yes ESC : No
EtherNet
Configuration
View System Events
Event log message
………
………
Clear Event Buffer
Clear Event Buffer ?
* Yes
Hardware Monitor
System Information
ENT : To Clear
ESC : To Abort
E#1: SAS RAID System V1.0
Voltage#1
3.300
Voltage#2
5.000
Voltage#3
12.000
Fan#1
2280
Fan#2
2343
Fan#3
2393
Fan#4
2360
Power#1
OK
Power#2
OK
UPS Status
OK
Temperature#1 32
Temperature#2 32
Temperature#3 32
Temperature#4 32
Temperature#5 32
Temperature#6 32
The System Information
Main Processor : 800MHz PC440
CPU ICache Size : 32KB
CPU DCache Size : 32KB/Write Back
CPU SCache Size : 512KB/Write Back
System Memory : 1024MB/533MHzECC
Firmware Version : V1.48 2010-09-07
BOOT ROM Version : V1.48 2010-09-01
MPT Firmware Ver : 1.20.0.0
Serial Number : 1100-2116-6633
Unit Serial # :
Controller Name : AXS-8066
Current IP Addr. : 192.168.001.100
END
3.7.5.1 Mute the Alert Beeper
The “Mute the Alert Beeper” function item is used to control the RAID
subsystem beeper. Select No and press ENT button to turn the beeper off
temporarily. The beeper will still activate on the next event.
50
Chapter 3. LCD Panel Configuration
3.7.5.2 Alert Beeper Setting
The “Alert Beeper Setting” function item is used to disable or enable the RAID
subsystem’s alarm tone generator. Using the UP/DOWN buttons to select “Alert
beeper setting” and Press ENT to accept the selection. After completed the
selection, the confirmation screen will be displayed and then press ENT to
accept the function. Select the “Disabled” and press ENT key in the dialog box
to turn the beeper off.
3.7.5.3 Change Password
To set or change the RAID subsystem’s password, press the UP/DOWN buttons
to select “Change Password” option and then press ENT to accept the selection.
The New Password: screen appears and enter new password that user want to
change. Using UP/DOWN buttons to set the password value. After completed
the modification, the confirmation screen will be displayed and then press ENT
to accept the function. To disable the password, press ENT only in the New
Password: column. The existing password will be cleared. No password
checking will occur when entering the main menu from the starting screen. The
RAID subsystem will automatically go back to the initial screen when it does not
receive any command in 5 minutes. Do not use spaces when you enter the
password, if spaces are used, it will lock out the user.
3.7.5.4 JBOD /RAID Mode Configuration
JBOD is an acronym for “Just a Bunch of Disk”. A group of hard disks in a RAID
subsystem are not set up as any type of RAID configuration. All drives are
available to the operating system as an individual disk. JBOD does not provide
data redundancy. User needs to delete the RAID set, when you want to change
the option from the RAID to the JBOD function.
3.7.5.5 RAID Rebuild Priority
The “Raid Rebuild Priority” is a relative indication of how much time the
controller devotes to a rebuild operation. The RAID subsystem allows user to
choose the rebuild priority (Ultra Low, Low, ... High) to balance volume set
access and rebuild tasks appropriately. To set or change the RAID subsystem’s
RAID rebuild priority, press the UP/DOWN buttons to select “RAID Rebuild
Priority” and press ENT to accept the selection. The rebuild priority selection
screen appears and uses the UP/DOWN buttons to set the rebuild value. After
completing the modification, the confirmation screen will be displayed and then
press ENT to accept the function.
3.7.5.6 SATA NCQ Support
The controller supports both SAS and SATA disk drives. The SATA NCQ allows
multiple commands to be outstanding within a drive at the same time. Drives
that support NCQ have an internal queue where outstanding commands can be
dynamically rescheduled or re-ordered, along with the necessary tracking
mechanisms for outstanding and completed portions of the workload. The RAID
51
Software Operation Manual
subsystem allows the user to select the SATA NCQ support: “Enabled” or
“Disabled”.
3.7.5.7 HDD Read Ahead Cache
Allow Read Ahead (Default: Enabled)—When “Enabled”, the drive’s read ahead
cache algorithm is used, providing maximum performance under most
circumstances.
3.7.5.8 Volume Data Read Ahead
The Read data ahead parameter specifies the controller firmware algorithms
which process the Read Ahead data blocks from the disk. The read ahead
parameter is normal by default. To modify the value, you must know your
application behavior. The default normal option satisfies the performance
requirements for a typical volume. The disabled value implies no read ahead.
The most efficient value for the controllers depends on your application.
Aggressive read ahead is optimal for sequential access but it degrades random
access.
3.7.5.9 Disk Write Cache Mode
Disk cache can be turned off to prevent data lost, turned on to increase the
performance of the machine. The following is the reason why a user might want
to turn off the cache. In case of power failure, the data stored in the disk cache
waiting to be process might be lost. The disadvantage to turn off the disk cache
is that performance will decrease dramatically.
Auto: Disk cache's setting will accord the installation of battery backup. When
battery backup is installed, Disk cache is disabled. No battery backup installed,
Disk cache is enabled.
To set or change the configuration, press the UP/ DOWN to select “Disk Write
Cache Mode” and then press the ENT to accept the selection.
3.7.5.10 Disk Capacity Truncation Mode
The RAID subsystem use drive truncation so that drives from differing vendors
are more likely to be able to be used as spares for each other. Drive truncation
slightly decreases the usable capacity of a drive that is used in redundant units.
The RAID subsystem provides three truncation modes in the system
configuration: “Multiples Of 10G”, “Multiples Of 1G” and “Disabled”.
Multiples Of 10G: If you have 120 GB drives from different vendors; chances
are that the capacity varies slightly. For example, one drive might be 123.5 GB,
and the other 120 GB. “Multiples Of 10G” truncates the number under tens. This
makes the same capacity for both of these drives so that one could replace the
other.
Multiples Of 1G: If you have 123 GB drives from different vendors; chances are
that the capacity varies slightly. For example, one drive might be 123.5 GB, and
52
Chapter 3. LCD Panel Configuration
the other 123.4 GB. “Multiples Of 1G” truncates the fractional part. This makes
the same capacity for both of these drives so that one could replace the other.
Disabled: It does not truncate the capacity.
3.7.5.11 Shutdown The Controller
To shutdown the RAID controller, press UP/DOWN buttons to select “Shutdown
The Controller” and then press ENT to accept the selection. The confirmation
screen will be displayed and then press ENT to accept the function.
3.7.5.12 Restart Controller
To restart the RAID controller, press UP/DOWN buttons to select “Restart
Controller” and then press ENT to accept the selection. The confirmation screen
will be displayed and then press ENT to accept the function.
Note
It can only work properly at Host and Drive without any activity.
3.7.6 Fiber Channel Config
Use to configure the Fiber channel function. Press the UP/ DOWN to select
Fiber Channel Config and then press the ENT to accept the selection. Press
UP/ DOWN to select Channel and then press the ENT to accept the selection.
3.7.6.1 Fiber Speed
Press the UP/ DOWN to select Ch0~3 Speed and then press the ENT to accept
the selection. Press UP/ DOWN to select speed (Auto, 2Gbps, 4Gbps, and
8Gbps) then press ENT to accept the selection. The confirmation screen will be
displayed and then press ENT to accept the change.
3.7.6.2 Fiber topology
Press the UP/ DOWN to select Ch0~3 Topology and then press the ENT to
accept the selection. Press UP/ DOWN to select speed (Auto, Loop,
Point-Point, Fabric and Loop/MNID) then press ENT to accept the selection.
The confirmation screen will be displayed and then press ENT to accept the
change.
3.7.6.3 Hard Loop
This setting is effective only under the setting is “Loop topology”. When enabled,
you can manually set the Loop ID in the range from 0 to 125. Press the UP/
53
Software Operation Manual
DOWN to select Hard Loop and then press the ENT to accept the selection.
Then press UP/ DOWN to select Loop ID and then press the ENT to accept the
selection.
3.7.7 Ethernet Configuration
Use to configure the Ethernet port of RAID subsystem.
3.7.7.1 DHCP Function
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) allows network administrators
centrally manage and automate the assignment of IP (Internet Protocol)
addresses on a computer network. When using the TCP/IP protocol (Internet
protocol), it is necessary for a computer to have a unique IP address in order to
communicate to other computer systems. Without DHCP, the IP address must
be entered manually at each computer system. DHCP lets a network
administrator supervise and distribute IP addresses from a central point. The
purpose of DHCP is to provide the automatic (dynamic) allocation of IP client
configurations for a specific time period (called a lease period) and to minimize
the work necessary to administer a large IP network. To manually configure the
IP address of the RAID subsystem, press the UP/DOWN buttons to select
“Ethernet Configuration" function and press ENT. Using UP/DOWN buttons to
select DHCP, and then press ENT.
Select the “Disabled” or “Enabled” option to enable or disable the DHCP
function. If DHCP is disabled, it will be necessary to manually enter a static IP
address that does not conflict with other devices on the network.
3.7.7.2 Local IP Address
If you intend to set up your client computers manually (no DHCP), make sure
that the assigned IP address is in the same range as the default router address
and that it is unique to your private network. However, it is highly recommend to
use DHCP if that option is available on your network. An IP address allocation
scheme will reduce the time it takes to set-up client computers and eliminate the
possibilities of administrative errors and duplicate addresses. To manually
configure the IP address of the RAID subsystem, press the UP/DOWN buttons
to select “Ethernet Configuration” function and press ENT. Using UP/DOWN
buttons to select “Local IP Address”, and then press ENT. It will show the default
address setting in the RAID subsystem. You can then reassign the static IP
address of the RAID subsystem.
3.7.7.3 HTTP Port Number
To manually configure the “HTTP Port Number” of the RAID subsystem, press
UP/DOWN buttons to select “Ethernet Configuration" function and press ENT.
Using UP/DOWN buttons to select “HTTP Port Number”, and then press ENT. It
will show the default address setting in the RAID subsystem. Then you can
reassign the default “HTTP Port Number” of the controller.
54
Chapter 3. LCD Panel Configuration
3.7.7.4 Telnet Port Number
To manually configure the "Telnet Port Number" of the RAID subsystem, press
the UP/DOWN buttons to select “Ethernet Configuration" function and press
ENT. Using UP/DOWN buttons to select "Telnet Port Number", and then press
ENT. It will show the default address setting in the RAID subsystem. You can
then reassign the default "Telnet Port Number" of RAID subsystem.
3.7.7.5 SMTP Port Number
To manually configure the "SMTP Port Number" of the RAID subsystem, press
the UP/DOWN buttons to select “Ethernet Configuration" function and press
ENT. Using UP/DOWN buttons to select "SMTP Port Number", and then press
ENT. It will show the default address setting in the RAID subsystem. You can
then reassign the default "SMTP Port Number" of RAID subsystem.
3.7.7.5 Ethernet Address
Each Ethernet port has its unique Mac address, which is also factory assigned.
Usually, Ethernet Address is used to uniquely identify a port in the Ethernet
network.
3.7.8 Show System Events
To view the RAID subsystem events, press ENT to enter the main menu. Press
UP/DOWN buttons to select the “Show System Events” option, and then press
ENT. The system events will be displayed. Press UP/DOWN buttons to browse
all the system events.
3.7.9 Clear all Event Buffers
Use this feature to clear the entire events buffer information. To clear all event
buffers, press ENT to enter the main menu. Press UP/DOWN buttons to select
the “Clear all Event Buffers” option, and then press ENT. The confirmation
message will be displayed and press ENT to clear all event buffers or ESC to
abort the action.
3.7.10 Hardware Monitoring Information
To view the RAID subsystem monitor information, press ENT to enter the main
menu. Press UP/DOWN buttons to select the “Hardware Information” option,
and then press ENT. All hardware monitor information will be displayed. Press
UP/DOWN buttons to browse all the hardware information. The hardware
information provides the CPU temperature, Controller temperature, fan speed
(chassis fan), battery status and voltage of the RAID subsystem. All items are
also unchangeable. The warning messages will indicate through the LCD, LED
and alarm buzzer.
55
Software Operation Manual
Item
Warning Condition
Controller Board Temperature > 70 Celsius
Backplane Temperature
> 55 Celsius
Controller Fan Speed
< 1700 RPM
Power Supply +12V
< 10.5V or > 13.5V
Power Supply +5V
< 4.7V or > 5.3V
Power Supply +3.3V
< 3.0V or > 3.6V
CPU Core Voltage +1.5V
< 1.35V or > 1.65V
3.7.11 Show System Information
Choose this option to display Main processor, CPU instruction cache size, CPU
data cache size, system memory, firmware version, BOOT ROM version, MTP
firmware, serial number, unit serial, controller name, current IP, target SAS chip,
devices chip, SAS expander, host port link and JBOD port link. To check the
system information, press ENT to enter the main menu. Press UP/DOWN
button to select the “Show System Information” option, and then press ENT. All
major controller system information will be displayed. Press UP/DOWN buttons
to browse all the system information.
56
Chapter 4. Web Browser-Based Configuration
Chapter 4. Web Browser- Based
Configuration
The RAID subsystem web browser-based configuration utility is firmware-based and
uses to configure RAID sets and volume sets. Use this utility to:
· Create RAID set,
. Expand RAID set,
· Define volume set,
· Add physical drive,
· Modify volume set,
· Modify RAID level/stripe size,
. Define pass-through disk drives,
. Update firmware,
. Modify system function, and
· Designate drives as hot spares.
If you need to boot the operating system from a RAID system, you must first create a
RAID volume by using front panel touch-control keypad, Web Browser through
Ethernet LAN, or VT-100 terminal.
44..11 FFiirrm
mw
waarree--eem
mbbeeddddeedd TTC
CP
P//IIP
P&
&w
weebb
bbrroow
wsseerr--bbaasseedd R
RA
AIID
Dm
maannaaggeerr ((uussiinngg tthhee
ccoonnttrroolllleerr’’ss 1100//110000 E
Etthheerrnneett LLA
AN
N ppoorrtt))
To ensure proper communications between the RAID subsystem and Web
browser-based RAID management, Please connect the RAID system Ethernet LAN
port to any LAN switch port.
The controller has embedded the TCP/IP & Web Browser-based RAID manager in
the firmware. User can remote manage the RAID system without adding any user
specific software (platform independent) via standard web browsers directly
connected to the 10/100 Ethernet RJ45 LAN port.
To configure External RAID subsystem on a local or remote machine, you need to
know its IP Address. The IP address will default show in the LCD screen. Launch your
firmware-embedded TCP/IP & Web Browser-based RAID manager by entering
http://[IP Address] in the web browser.
You must be logged in as administrator with local admin rights on the remote machine
to remotely configure it. The RAID box default User Name is “admin” and the Password is “0000”.
57
Software Operation Manual
44..22 W
Weebb B
Brroow
wsseerr S
Sttaarrtt--uupp S
Sccrreeeenn
The web browser start-up screen will display the current configuration of your RAID
box. It displays the Raid Set List, Volume Set List and Physical Disk List. The raid set
information, volume set information and drive information can also be viewed by
clicking on the “Raid Set Hierarchy” screen. The current configuration can also be
viewed by clicking on “Raid Set Hierarchy” in the menu.
To display RAID set information, move the mouse cursor to the desired raid set
number, then click it. The raid set information will show in the screen.
To display volume set information, move the mouse cursor to the desired volume set
number, then click it. The volume set information will show in the screen.
To display drive information, move the mouse cursor to the desired physical drive
number, then click it. The drive information will show in the screen.
58
Chapter 4. Web Browser-Based Configuration
44..33 M
Maaiinn M
Meennuu
The main menu shows all available functions, accessible by clicking on the
appropriate link.
Individual Category
Description
Quick Function
Create a default configuration, which is based on the
number of physical disk installed; it can modify the
volume set Capacity, Raid Level, and Stripe Size.
Raid Set Functions
Create a customized RAID set
Volume Set Functions
Create customized volume sets and modify the existed
volume sets parameter.
Physical Drives
Create pass through disks and modify the existing
pass through drives parameters. Also provides the
function to identify disk drives (blinking fault LED).
System Controls
Setting the RAID system configurations
Information
View the controller and hardware monitor information.
The Raid Set Hierarchy can also view through the Raid
Set Hierarchy item.
44..44 Q
Quuiicckk C
Crreeaattee
The number of physical drives in the SAS RAID controller determines the RAID levels
that can be implemented with the RAID set. You can create a RAID set associated
with exactly one volume set. The user can change the RAID Level, Capacity,
Initialization Mode and Stripe Size. A hot spare option is also created, depending on
the exist configuration. Click the “Confirm The Operation” check box and click on the
“Submit” button in the “Quick Create” screen, the RAID set and volume set will start to
initialize.
59
Software Operation Manual
Note
In “Quick Create”, your volume set is automatically configured
based on the number of disks in your system. Use the “Raid Set
Functions” and “Volume Set Functions” if you prefer to customize
your volume set, or RAID 30/50/60 volume set.
44..55 R
Raaiidd S
Seett FFuunnccttiioonnss
Use the “Raid Set Function” and “Volume Set Function” if you prefer to customize
your volume set. Manual configuration can provide full control of the RAID set
settings, but it will take longer to complete than the “Quick Volume/Raid Setup”
configuration. Select the “Raid Set Function” to manually configure the RAID set for
the first time or delete and reconfigure existing RAID sets. (A RAID set is a group of
disks containing one or more volume sets.).
4.5.1 Create Raid Set
To create a RAID set, click on the “Create Raid Set” link. A “Select The Drive For
RAID Set” screen is displayed showing the drive(s) connected to the current
controller and enclosures. Click on the selected physical drives within the current
RAID set. Enter 1 to 15 alphanumeric characters to define a unique identifier for a
RAID set. The default RAID set name will always appear as “Raid Set #”. Click the
“Confirm The Operation” check box and click on the “Submit” button on the screen;
the RAID set will start to initialize. If you have available disk member, you can repeat
above procedures to define another RAID sets.
60
Chapter 4. Web Browser-Based Configuration
Note
To create RAID 30/50/60 volume, you need create multiple RAID
sets first with the same disk members on each RAID set. The max
no. disk drives per volume set:
32 for RAID 0/1/10(1E)/3/5/6 and 122 for RAID 30/50/60.
4.5.2 Delete Raid Set
To delete a RAID set, click on the “Deleted Raid Set” link. A “Select The RAID Set To
Delete” screen is displayed showing all exist RAID sets in the current controller. Click
the RAID set number which you want to delete in the select column on the delete
screen. Then, click the “Confirm the Operation” check box and click on the “Submit”
button in the screen to delete it. The volume sets included in the “Delete RAID Set”. It
will be deleted by this action. But for the Raid 30/50/60, you need to delete the
volumes belonging to those RAID sets.
4.5.3 Expand Raid Set
Instead of deleting a RAID set and recreating it with additional disk drives, the
“Expand Raid Set” function allows the users to add disk drives to the RAID set that
have already been created.
To expand a RAID set:
Select the “Expand Raid Set” option. If there is an available disk, then the “Select
SATA Drives For Raid Set Expansion” screen appears.
Select the target RAID set by clicking on the appropriate radio button. Select the
target disk by clicking on the appropriate check box.
61
Software Operation Manual
Press the Yes to start the expansion on the RAID set. The new additional capacity
can be utilized by one or more volume sets. The volume sets associated with this
RAID set appear for you to have chance to modify RAID level or stripe size. Follow
the instruction presented in the “Modify Volume Set” to modify the volume sets;
operation system specific utilities may be required to expand operating system
partitions.
Note
1. Once the “Expand Raid Set” process has started, user can not
stop it. The process must be completed.
2. If a disk drive fails during RAID set expansion and a hot spare is
available, an auto rebuild operation will occur after the RAID set
expansion completes.
3. RAID 30/50/60 does not support the "Expand Raid set".
62
Chapter 4. Web Browser-Based Configuration
4.5.4 Offline RAID Set
This function is for customer being able to unmount and remount a multi-disk volume.
All Hdds of the selected RAID set will be put into offline state, spun down and fault
LED in fast blinking mode. User can remove those Hdds and insert new Hdds on
those empty slots without needing power down the controller.
4.5.5 Rename RAID Set
To modify the RAID Set Name
4.5.6 Activate Incomplete Raid Set
If one of the disk drives is removed in power off state, the RAID set state will change
to “Incomplete State”. If the user wants to continue to operate the controller without
power-off the RAID subsystem, the user can use the “Activate Incomplete Raid Set”
option to active the RAID set. After the user completes this function, the Raid State
will change to “Degraded Mode” and start to work.
To activate the incomplete the RAID set, click on the “Activate Raid Set” link. A “Select
the RAID Set to Activate” screen is displayed showing all RAID sets existing on the
current controller. Click the RAID set number to activate in the select column. Click on
the “Submit” button on the screen to activate the RAID set that had a disk removed (or
63
Software Operation Manual
failed) in the power off state. The RAID subsystem will continue to work in degraded
mode.
4.5.7 Create Hot Spare
When you choose the “Create Hot Spare” option in the “Raid Set Function”, all
unused physical devices connected to the current controller appear. Select the target
disk by clicking on the appropriate check box. Click the “Confirm the Operation” check
box and click the “Submit” button in the screen to create the hot spares. The “Create
Hot Spare” gives you the ability to define a global or dedicated hot spare. Unlike
“Global Hot Spare” which can be used with any RAID sets, “Dedicated Hot Spare” can
only be used with a specific RAID set or Enclosure. When a disk drive fails in the
RAID set or enclosure with a dedicated Hot Spare is pre-set, data on the disk drive is
rebuild automatically on the dedicated hot spare disk.
4.5.8 Delete Hot Spare
Select the target hot spare disk to delete by clicking on the appropriate check box.
Click the “Confirm the Operation” check box and click the “Submit” button on the
screen to delete the hot spares.
64
Chapter 4. Web Browser-Based Configuration
4.5.9 Rescue Raid Set
When the system is powered off in the RAID set update/creation period, the
configuration possibly could disappear due to this abnormal condition. The
“RESCUE” function can recover the missing RAID set information. The RAID
subsystem uses the time as the RAID set signature. The RAID set may have
different time after the RAID set is recovered. The “SIGANT” function can
regenerate the signature for the RAID set. Please contact with
manufacture’s technical support before you use this configuration.
65
Software Operation Manual
44..66 V
Voolluum
mee S
Seett FFuunnccttiioonn
A volume set is seen by the host system as a single logical device. It is organized in a
RAID level with one or more physical disks. RAID level refers to the level of data
performance and protection of a volume set. A volume set capacity can consume all
or a portion of the disk capacity available in a RAID set. Multiple volume sets can exist
on a group of disks in a RAID set. Additional volume sets created in a specified RAID
set will reside on all the physical disks in the RAID set. Thus each volume set on the
RAID set will have its data spread evenly across all the disks in the RAID set. The
following is the volume set features for the RAID subsystem.
1. Volume sets of different RAID levels may coexist on the same RAID set.
2. Up to 128 volume sets can be created in a RAID set.
3. The maximum addressable size of a single volume set is not limited to two TB,
because the controller is capable of 64-bit LBA mode. However the operating system
itself may not be capable of addressing more than 2TB.
4.6.1 Create Volume Set
To create volume set from RAID set system, move the cursor bar to the main menu
and click on the “Create Volume Set” link. The “Select the Raid Set to Create On It”
screen will show all RAID set number. Tick on a RAID set number that you want to
create and then click on the “Submit” button. The new create volume set attribute
allows user to select the Volume Name, Raid Level, Capacity, Greater Two TB
Volume Support, Initialization Mode, Strip Size, Cache Mode, Tagged Command
Queuing, SAS Port/LUN Base/LUN and Volumes To Be Created.
66
Chapter 4. Web Browser-Based Configuration
Single Controller: (for Yotta 3 E Series & Yotta 3 Tower Series)
Redundant Controller: (for Yotta 3 Single_Redundant Series)
4.6.1.1 Volume Name:
The default volume name will always appear as Volume Set. #. You can rename the
volume set name as long as it does not exceed the 15 characters limit.
4.6.1.2 Raid Level:
Set the RAID level for the Volume Set. Highlight Raid Level and press Enter.
The available RAID levels for the current Volume Set are displayed. Select a RAID
level and press Enter to confirm.
67
Software Operation Manual
4.6.1.3 Capacity:
The maximum volume size is default in the first setting. Enter the appropriate volume
size to fit your application.
4.6.1.4 Greater Two TB Volume Support:
If volume capacity will exceed 2TB, controller will show the "Greater Two TB Volume
Support" sub-menu. Greater Two TB Volume Support option: "No", "64bit LBA" and
"4K Block".
No : It keeps the volume size with max. 2TB limitation.
64bit LBA: this option uses 16 byte CDB instead of 10byte. The maximum volume
capacity is up to 512TB. This option works on different OS which
supports 16byte CDB. Such as: Windows 2003 with SP1, Linux kernel
2.6.x or latter , FreeBSD 5.2.1 or latter
4K Block: it changes the sector size from default 512 to 4k. The maximum volume
capacity is up to 16TB. This option works under Windows platform only
and it CAN NOT be converted to Dynamic Disk, because 4k sector size is
not a standard format.
4.6.1.5 Initialization Mode:
This parameter is used to define “Background Initialization”, “Foreground
Initialization” or “No Init (To Rescue Volume)”. When “Background Initialization”, the
initialization proceeds as a background task, the volume set is fully accessible for
system reads and writes. The operating system can instantly access to the newly
created arrays without requiring a reboot and waiting the initialization complete.
When “Foreground Initialization”, the initialization proceeds must be completed
before the volume set ready for system accesses. There is no initialization happed
when you select “No Init” option. “No Init” is for customer to rescue volume without
losing data in the disk.
4.6.1.6 Strip Size:
This parameter sets the size of the stripe written to each disk in a RAID 0, 1, 10(1E),
5, 6, 50 or 60 logical drive. You can set the stripe size to 4 KB, 8 KB, 16 KB, 32 KB, 64
KB, or 128 KB. A larger stripe size produces better read performance, especially if
your computer does mostly sequential reads. However, if you are sure that your
computer does random reads more often, select a smaller stripe size.
Note
RAID level 3 can’t modify strip size.
68
Chapter 4. Web Browser-Based Configuration
4.6.1.7 Cache Mode:
The RAID subsystem supports “Write-Through” and “Write-Back” cache.
4.6.1.8 Tag Queuing:
The “Enabled” option is useful for enhancing overall system performance under
multi-tasking operating systems. The Command Tag (Drive Channel) function
controls the SAS command tag queuing support for each drive channel. This function
should normally remain “Enabled”. “Disabled” this function only when using SAS
drives that do not support command tag queuing.
4.6.1.9 SAS Port/LUN Base/LUN; Fiber Channel/LUN Base/LUN
4.6.1.9.1 SAS Port/LUN Base/LUN
Single Controller SAS Port: (for Yotta 3 E Series & Yotta 3 Tower Series)
Two 4-port SAS ports can be applied to the RAID subsystem. The RAID subsystem
supports Port 0, 1 and 0&1 cluster option. If you configure the Host/JBOD port as a
JBOD function on the “System Config”, then there will be no function on the selection
of ‘0, 1’ and “0&1 Cluster” option.
69
Software Operation Manual
Redundant Controller SAS Port: (for Yotta 3 Single_Redundant Series)
Four 4-port SAS ports can be applied to the RAID subsystem. The RAID subsystem
supports Port 0, 1, 2, 3 and 0&1&2&3 cluster option.
LUN base: Each SAS device attached to the SAS host adapter must be assigned a
unique SAS ID number. A SAS RAID controller can connect up to 122 devices and
128 (16*8) volumes. The RAID subsystem is as a large SAS device. We should
assign an LUN base from a list of SAS LUNs.
70
Chapter 4. Web Browser-Based Configuration
SAS LUN: Each SAS LUN base can support up to 8 LUNs. Each LUN Base can
support up to 8 SAS LUNs. Most SAS port host adapter treats each SAS LUN like a
SAS disk.
4.6.1.9.2 Fibre Channel#/LUN Base/LUN
Single Controller Fibre Port Mapping: (for Yotta 3 E Series & Yotta 3 Tower Series)
The RAID subsystem supports FC Port 0, 1, 2, 3.
71
Software Operation Manual
Redundant Controller Fibre Port Mapping: (for Yotta 3 Single_Redundant Series)
The RAID subsystem supports FC Port 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Fiber LUN base:
Each Fiber device attached to the Fiber card, as well as the card itself, must be
assigned a unique Fiber ID number. A Fiber channel can connect up to 128(0 to 127)
devices. The RAID subsystem is as a large Fiber device. We should assign a LUN
base from a list of Fiber LUNs.
Fiber LUN: Each Fiber LUN base can support up to 8 LUNs. Most Fiber Channel
host adapter treats each LUN like a Fiber disk.
72
Chapter 4. Web Browser-Based Configuration
4.6.1.10 Volume to Be Created:
The controller can support up to 128 volume sets. This option is defined volume
number using the same volume set attribute here.
4.6.2 Create Raid30/50/60
To create 30/50/60 volume set from RAID set group, move the cursor bar to the main
menu and click on the “Create Raid30/50/60” link. The “Select the Raid Set to Create
Volume on It” screen will show all RAID set number. Tick on the RAID set. Numbers
(same disk No per RAID set) that you want to create and then click on the “Submit”
button. The new create volume set attribute allows user to select the Volume Name,
Raid Level, Capacity, Greater Two TB Volume Support, Initialization Mode, Strip Size,
Cache Mode, Tagged Command Queuing, SAS Port/LUN Base/LUN and Volumes To
Be Created. Please refer to above section for details description of each item.
73
Software Operation Manual
4.6.3 Delete Volume Set
To delete a volume from RAID set, move the cursor bar to the main menu and click on
the “Delete Volume Set” link. The “Select the Raid Set to Delete” screen will show all
RAID set numbers. Click a RAID set number and the “Confirm the Operation” check
box and then click the “Submit” button to show all volume set items in the selected
RAID set. Click a volume set number and the “Confirm the Operation” check box and
then click the “Submit” button to delete the volume set.
4.6.4 Modify Volume Set
To modify a volume set from a RAID set:
(1). Click on the “Modify Volume Set” link.
(2). Click the volume set check box from the list that you wish to modify. Click the
“Submit” button. The following screen appears.
74
Chapter 4. Web Browser-Based Configuration
Use this option to modify the volume set configuration. To modify volume set
attributes, move the cursor bar to the volume set attribute menu and click it. The
“Enter the Volume Attribute” screen appears. Move the cursor to an attribute item and
then click the attribute to modify the value. After you complete the modification, click
the “Confirm the Operation” check box and click the “Submit” button to complete the
action. The user can only modify the last volume set capacity.
4.6.4.1 Volume Growth
Use “Expand RAID Set" function to add disk to a RAID set. The additional capacity
can be used to enlarge the last volume set size or to create another volume set. The
“Modify Volume Set” function can support the “Volume Modification” function. To
expand the last volume set capacity, move the cursor bar to the “Capacity” item and
enter the capacity size. When finished the above action, click the “Confirm The
Operation” check box and click the “Submit” button to complete the action. The last
volume set starts to expand its capacity.
To expand an existing volume noticed:
Only the last volume can expand capacity.
When expand volume capacity, you can’t modify stripe size or modify RAID
level simultaneously.
You can expand volume capacity, but can’t shrink volume capacity size.
After volume expansion, the volume capacity can't be decreased.
For over 2TB expansion:
If your system installed in the volume, don't expand the volume capacity
greater 2TB, currently OS can’t support boot up from a greater 2TB capacity
device.
Expand over 2TB when using LBA64 mode. Please make sure your OS
supports LBA64 before expand it.
75
Software Operation Manual
4.6.4.2 Volume Set Migration
Migrating occurs when a volume set is migrating from one RAID level to another,
when a volume set strip size changes, or when a disk is added to a RAID set.
Migration state is displayed in the volume state area of the “Volume Set Information”
screen.
Note
1. If the volume is RAID level 30, 50, or 60, you can not change the
volume to another RAID level. If the volume is RAID level 0, 1,
10(1E), 3, 5, or 6, you can not change the volume to RAID level 30,
50, or 60.
2. RAID level 30 50 and 60 can support up to eight sub-volumes, but
it can not support expansion and migration.
4.6.5 Check Volume Set
To check a volume set from a RAID set:
(1). Click on the “Check Volume Set” link.
(2). Click on the volume set from the list that you wish to check.
Tick on “Confirm The Operation” and click on the “Submit” button. Use this option to
verify the correctness of the redundant data in a volume set. For example, in a system
with dedicated parity, volume set check means computing the parity of the data disk
drives and comparing the results to the contents of the dedicated parity disk drive.
The checking percentage can also be viewed by clicking on “Raid Set Hierarchy” in
the main menu.
76
Chapter 4. Web Browser-Based Configuration
Scrub Bad Block If Bad Block Is Found, Assume Parity Data Is Good option: the
check button will be shown when Data disk found bad blocks, and if selected, the
RAID controller will regenerate data from Parity disk to data disk, if check button is not
selected, RAID controller will report error only.
Re-compute Parity If Parity Error Is Found, Assume Data Is Good option: check
button will be shown when Parity Data disk found bad blocks, and if selected, RAID
controller will regenerate data from Data disk to Parity disk, if check button is not
selected RAID controller will report error only.
4.6.6 Scheduled Volume Checking
This function can setup a schedule so consistency checks are run automatically at
regularly scheduled intervals. If there is a discrepancy found, it will record the error on
the system event log. The controller will base on the user selection scrub bad block or
re-compute parity to recovery the data. The recommended interval for checking
consistency in RAID drives can set on “Scheduler” option. User can specify
parameters to “Scheduler” to change the scheduled run time. The “Checking After
System Idle” is defined the default time to start the automated consistency check
scheduling.
Scheduler option: set to 1 week ~ 24 weeks will start volume check after 1 week ~ 24
weeks,
Checking After System Idle option: set to 1 Minute ~ 60 Minutes, when RAID
system idle 1 Minute ~60 Minutes RAID system will start volume check, if host
accesses RAID system that will stop volume check. Next time, when RAID system is
77
Software Operation Manual
idle for 1 Minute ~ 60 Minutes, RAID system will continue volume check.
Scrub Bad Block If Bad Block Is Found, Assume Parity Data Is Good option:
check button will be shown when Data disk found bad block, and if selected, RAID
controller will regenerate data from Parity disk to data disk, if check button is not
selected RAID controller will report error only.
Re-compute Parity If Parity Error Is Found, Assume Data Is Good option: check
button will be shown when Parity Data disk found bad block, and if selected, RAID
controller will regenerate data from Data disk to Parity Data disk, if check button is not
selected RAID controller will report error only.
Note
Please make sure of the inconsistency source generated by parity
error or bad block before you click the recovery method. Otherwise,
you will lose the recovery data.
4.6.7 Stop Volume Set Check
Use this option to stop the Check Volume Set function.
78
Chapter 4. Web Browser-Based Configuration
44..77 P
Phhyyssiiccaall D
Drriivvee
Choose this option from the Main Menu to select a physical disk and to perform the
operations listed below.
4.7.1 Create Pass-Through Disk
To create pass-through disk, move the mouse cursor to the main menu and click on
the “Create Pass-Through” link. The relative setting function screen appears. A
pass-through disk is not controlled by the RAID subsystem firmware; it can not be a
part of a volume set. The disk is available to the operating system as an individual
disk. It is typically used on a system where the operating system is on a disk not
controlled by the RAID firmware. The user can also select the Cache Mode, Tagged
Command Queuing, SAS Port/LUN Base/LUN for this pass-through disk.
4.7.2 Modify Pass-Through Disk
Use this option to modify the pass-through disk attribute. The user can modify the
Cache Mode, Tagged Command Queuing, and SAS Port/LUN Base/LUN on an
existing pass-through disk. To modify the pass-through drive attribute from the
pass-through drive pool, move the mouse cursor bar and click on the “Modify a
Pass-Through” link. The “Select the Pass Through Disk for Modification” screen
appears mark the check box for the pass-through disk from the pass-through drive
pool and click on the “Submit” button to select drive. When the “Enter Pass-Through
Disk Attribute” screen appears, modify the drive attribute values, as you want. After
you complete the selection, mark the check box for “Confirm The Operation” and
click on the “Submit” button to complete the selection action.
79
Software Operation Manual
4.7.3 Delete Pass-Through Disk
To delete a pass-through drive from the pass-through drive pool, move the mouse
cursor bar to the main menus and click the “Delete Pass Through” link. After you
complete the selection, mark the check box for “Confirm The Operation” and click the
“Submit” button to complete the delete action.
4.7.4 Identify Enclosure
To prevent removing the wrong subsystem, the selected JBOD expander enclosure
all disks fault LED indicator will light for physically locating the selected subsystem
when the “Identify Subsystem” is selected. This function will also light the subsystem
LED indicator, if it is existed.
4.7.5 Identify Selected Drive
To prevent removing the wrong drive, the selected disk fault LED indicator will light for
physically locating the selected disk when the “Identify Selected Device” is selected.
80
Chapter 4. Web Browser-Based Configuration
44..88 S
Syysstteem
mC
Coonnttrroollss
4.8.1 System Configuration
To set the RAID system function, move the cursor to the main menu and click the
“System Controls” link. The “Raid System Function” menu will show all items, then
select the desired function.
4.8.1.1 System Beeper Setting:
The “System Beeper Setting” function is used to “Disabled” or ”Enabled” the RAID
subsystem alarm tone generator.
4.8.1.2 Back Ground Task priority:
The “Background Task Priority” is a relative indication of how much time the controller
devotes to a rebuild operation. The RAID subsystem allows the user to choose the
rebuild priority (Ultra Low, Low, Normal and High) to balance volume set access and
rebuild tasks appropriately. For high array performance, specify a “Low” value.
4.8.1.3 JBOD /RAID Mode Configuration
JBOD is an acronym for “Just a Bunch of Disk”. A group of hard disks in a RAID
subsystem are not set up as any type of RAID configuration. All drives are available to
the operating system as an individual disk. JBOD does not provide data redundancy.
User needs to delete the RAID set, when you want to change the option from the
RAID to the JBOD function.
4.8.1.4 SATA NCQ Support
The controller supports both SAS and SATA disk drives. The SATA NCQ allows
multiple commands to be outstanding within a drive at the same time. Drives that
support NCQ have an internal queue where outstanding commands can be
dynamically rescheduled or re-ordered, along with the necessary tracking
mechanisms for outstanding and completed portions of the workload. The RAID
subsystem allows the user to select the SATA NCQ support: “Enabled” or “Disabled”.
81
Software Operation Manual
4.8.1.5 HDD Read Ahead Cache
Allow Read Ahead (Default: Enabled)—When Enabled, the drive’s read ahead cache
algorithm is used, providing maximum performance under most circumstances.
4.8.1.6 Volume Data Read Ahead
The Read data ahead parameter specifies the controller firmware algorithms which
process the Read Ahead data blocks from the disk. The Read Ahead parameter is
normal by default. To modify the value, you must set it from the command line using
the Read Ahead option. The default normal option satisfies the performance
requirements for a typical volume. The disabled value implies no read ahead. The
most efficient value for the controllers depends on your application. Aggressive read
ahead is optimal for sequential access but it degrades random access.
4.8.1.7 HDD Queue Depth
This parameter is adjusted the queue depth capacity of NCQ (SATA HDD) or Tagged
Command Queuing (SAS) which transmits multiple commands to a single target without waiting for the initial command to complete..
4.8.1.8 Disk Write Cache Mode
Disk cache can be turned off to prevent data lost, turned on to increase the
performance of the machine. The following is the reason why a user might want to
turn off the cache. In case of power failure, the data stored in the disk cache waiting
to be process might be lost. The disadvantage to turn off the disk cache is that
performance will decrease dramatically.
Auto: Disk cache's setting will accord the installation of battery backup. When battery
backup is installed, Disk cache is disabled. No battery backup installed, Disk cache is
enabled.
A user can set the “Disk Write Cache Mode”: "Auto", "Enabled", or "Disabled".
4.8.1.9 Disk Capacity Truncation Mode
The RAID subsystem uses drive truncation so that drives from differing vendors are
more likely to be able to be used as spares for each other. Drive truncation slightly
decreases the usable capacity of a drive that is used in redundant units.
The controller provides three truncation modes in the system configuration: “Multiples
Of 10G”, “Multiples Of 1G”, and “Disabled”.
Multiples Of 10G: If you have 120 GB drives from different vendors; chances are
that the capacity varies slightly. For example, one drive might be 123.5 GB, and the
other 120 GB. Multiples Of 10G truncates the number under tens. This makes same
capacity for both of these drives so that one could replace the other.
Multiples Of 1G: If you have 123 GB drives from different vendors; chances are that
the capacity varies slightly. For example, one drive might be 123.5 GB, and the other
123.4 GB. Multiples Of 1G truncates the fractional part. This makes capacity for both
of these drives so that one could replace the other.
82
Chapter 4. Web Browser-Based Configuration
No Truncation: It does not truncate the capacity.
4.8.2 Hdd Power Management
The “HDD Power Management” allow you to choose a “Stagger Power On Control”,
“Low Power Idle”, “Low RPM” and completely “Spins Down Idle HDD”. It is designed
to reduce power consumption and heat generation on idle drives.
4.8.2.1 Stagger Power on Control
Normally RAID system’s redundant power can supply enough power to spin up both
drives simultaneously. Using special HDDs that startup current from spinning up the
drives all at once can overload the power supply, causing damage to the power
supply, disk drives and other system components. This damage can be avoided by
allowing the host to stagger the spin-up of the drives. The SAS/SATA drives have
support staggered spin-up capabilities to boost reliability. Staggered spin-up is a very
useful feature for managing multiple disk drives in a storage subsystem. It gives the
83
Software Operation Manual
host the ability to spin up the disk drives sequentially or in groups, allowing the drives
to come ready at the optimum time without straining the system power supply.
Staggering drive spin-up in a multiple drive environment also avoids the extra cost of
a power supply designed to meet short-term startup power demand as well as steady
state conditions.
RAID controller has included the option for customer to select the disk drives
sequentially stagger power up value. The values can be selected from 0.4ms to 6ms
per step which powers up one drive.
4.8.2.2 Time to Hdd Low Power Idle
This option delivers lower power consumption by automatically unloading recording
heads during the setting idle time.
4.8.2.3 Time to Hdd Low RPM Mode
This function can automatically spin disks at lower RPM if there have not been used
during the setting idle time.
4.8.2.4 Spin Down Idle HDD (Minutes)
This function can automatically spin down the drive if it hasn't been accessed for a
certain amount of time. This value is used by the drive to determine how long to wait
(with no disk activity, before turning off the spindle motor to save power.)
4.8.3 Fiber Channel Config (only for FC)
To configure Fiber Channel parameters, click "System Controls" -> "Fiber Channel
Config" from the Menu Frame of the RAID manager. Select the volume set number
that you want to configure the Fiber Channel parameter.
Make sure to check "Confirm the Operation" then click "Submit" button for change to
come into effect.
84
Chapter 4. Web Browser-Based Configuration
4.8.3.1 Channel Speed
Each FC Channel can be configured as 2Gbps, 4Gbps, 8Gbps or use "Auto" option
for auto speed negotiation between 2Gb / 4Gb / 8Gb. The controller default is "Auto",
which should be adequate under most conditions. The Channel Speed setting takes
effect for the next connection. That means a link down or bus reset should be applied
for the change to take effect. The current connection speed is shown at the end of the
row. You have to click the "Fiber Channel Config" link again from the Menu Frame to
refresh display of current speed.
4.8.3.2 Channel Topology
Each FC Channel can be configured as Auto, Loop, Point-to-Point, Fabric or
Loop/MNID Topology. The controller default is "Auto" topology, which takes
precedence of Loop topology. Firmware restart is needed for any topology change to
take effect. The current connection topology is shown at the end of the row. You have
to click the "Fiber Channel Config" link again from the Menu Frame to refresh display
of current topology. Note that current topology is shown as "None" when no
successful connection is made for the channel.
4.8.3.3 Hard Loop ID
This setting is effective only under Loop topology. When enabled, you can manually
set the Loop ID in the range from 0 to 125. Make sure this hard assigned ID is not
conflicted with any other devices on the same loop; otherwise the channel will be
disabled. It is good to disable the hard loop ID and let the loop itself auto arrange the
Loop ID.
85
Software Operation Manual
4.8.4 Ethernet Configuration
Use this feature to set the controller Ethernet port configuration. A customer doesn’t
need to create a reserved space on the arrays before the Ethernet port and HTTP
service are working. The firmware-embedded Web Browser-based RAID manager
can access it from any standard internet browser or from any host computer either
directly connected or via a LAN or WAN with no software or patches required.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a protocol that lets network
administrators manage centrally and automate the assignment of IP (Internet
Protocol) configurations on a computer network. When using the internet’s set of
protocols (TCP/IP), in order for a computer system to communicate to another
computer system, it needs a unique IP address. Without DHCP, the IP address must
be entered manually at each computer system. DHCP lets a network administrator
supervise and distribute IP addresses from a central point. The purpose of DHCP is to
provide the automatic (dynamic) allocation of IP client configurations for a specific
time period (called a lease period) and to eliminate the work necessary to administer
a large IP network.
To configure the RAID subsystem’s Ethernet port, move the cursor bar to the main
menu and click on the “System Controls” link. The “System Controls” menu will show
all items. Move the cursor bar to the “Ethernet Configuration” item, then press Enter
key to select the desired function.
4.8.5 Alert By Mail Configuration
To configure the RAID subsystem’s e-mail function, move the cursor bar to the main
menu and click on the “System Controls” link. The “System Controls” menu will show
all items. Move the cursor bar to the “Alert By Mail Configuration” item, then select the
desired function. This function can only be set via web-based configuration.
The firmware contains a SMTP manager monitoring all system events. Single or
multiple user notifications can be sent via “Plain English” e-mails with no software
required.
86
Chapter 4. Web Browser-Based Configuration
4.8.6 SNMP Configuration
To configure the RAID subsystem's SNMP function, move the cursor bar to the main
menu and click on the “System Controls” link. The “System Controls” menu will show
all items. Move the cursor bar to the” SNMP Configuration” item, then press Enter key
to select the desired function. This function can only set by the web-based
configuration.
The firmware contains SNMP Agent manager monitors all system events and user
can use the SNMP function from the web setting with no Agent software required.
Please refer to Appendix C SNMP operation & Definition for more detail information
about the SNMP trap and definition.
SNMP Trap Configurations: Enter the SNMP Trap IP Address.
SNMP System Configurations: About community, Community name acts as
a password to screen accesses to the SNMP agent of a particular network
device. Type in the community names of the SNMP agent. Before access is
granted to a request station, this station must incorporate a valid community
87
Software Operation Manual
name into its request; otherwise, the SNMP agent will deny access to the
system.
Most network devices use “public” as default of their community names. This
value is case-sensitive.
SNMP Trap Notification Configurations:
Please refer to Appendix D of Event Notification Table
4.8.7 NTP Configuration
The Network Time Protocol (NTP) is used to synchronize the time of a computer
client or server to another server or reference time source, such as a radio or satellite
receiver or modem. It provides accuracies typically within a millisecond on LANs and
up to a few tens of milliseconds on WANs relative to Coordinated Universal Time
(UTC) via a Global Positioning Service (GPS) receiver, for example:
88
Chapter 4. Web Browser-Based Configuration
4.8.7.1 NTP Server Address
The most important factor in providing accurate, reliable time is the selection of NTP
servers to be used in the configuration file. Typical NTP configurations utilize multiple
redundant servers and diverse network paths in order to achieve high accuracy and
reliability. Our NTP configuration supports two existing public NTP synchronization
subnets.
4.8.7.2 Time Zone
Time Zone conveniently runs in the system tray and allows you to easily view the date
and time in various locations around the world. You can also quickly and easily add
your own personal locations to customize time zone the way you want.
4.8.7.3 Automatic Daylight Saving
Automatic Daylight Saving will normally attempt to automatically adjust the system
clock for daylight saving changes based on the computer time zone. This tweak
allows you to disable the automatic adjustment.
Note
NTP feature works through onboard Ethernet port. So you must
make sure that you have connected onboard Ethernet port.
4.8.8 View Events/ Mute Beeper
To view the RAID subsystem’s event information, click on the “View Event/Mute
Beeper” link. The RAID subsystem’s “System events Information” screen appears.
The mute beeper function automatically enable by clicking on “View Events/Mute
Beeper”.
Select this option to view the system events information: Timer, Device, Event type,
Elapse Time and Errors. The RAID subsystem does not have a built-in real time clock.
The time information is the relative time from the system time setting. The maximum
event no. is 256 per controller.
89
Software Operation Manual
4.8.9 Generate Test Event
Use this feature to generate events for testing purposes. Such as test mail or SNMP
trap settings.
4.8.10 Clear Events Buffer
Use this feature to clear the entire events buffer information.
4.8.11 Modify Password
To set or change the RAID subsystem’s password, select “System Controls” from the
menu and click on the “Modify Password” link. The “Modify System Password” screen
appears.
The manufacture default password is set to 0000.
The password option allows user to set or clear the RAID subsystem’s password
protection feature. Once the password has been set, the user can only monitor and
configure the RAID subsystem by providing the correct password. The password is
used to protect the RAID subsystem from unauthorized entry. The controller will
check the password only when entering the main menu from the initial screen. The
RAID subsystem will automatically go back to the initial screen when it does not
receive any command in 5 minutes. Do not use spaces when you enter the password,
if spaces are used, it will lock out the user.
To disable the password, leave the fields blank. Once the user confirms the operation
and clicks the “Submit” button, the existing password will be cleared. Then, no
password checking will occur when entering the main menu from the starting screen.
90
Chapter 4. Web Browser-Based Configuration
4.8.12 Update Firmware
Please reference the Appendix A. Upgrading Firmware.
4.8.13 Shutdown Controller
Use the “Shutdown Controller” function to flash the cache data to HDD and shutdown
the RAID controller.
4.8.14 Restart Controller
Use the Restart Controller Function to restart the RAID controller.
91
Software Operation Manual
44..99 IInnffoorrm
maattiioonn M
Meennuu
4.9.1 Raid Set Hierarchy
Use this feature to view the RAID subsystem current RAID set, current volume set
and physical disk information. The volume state and capacity are also shown in this
screen.
4.9.2 SAS Chip Information
Use this feature to view the SAS Chip information. The SAS address, Component
Vendor, Component ID, Enclosure, Number of Phys, Attached Expander appear in
below screen.
4.9.3 System Information
To view the RAID subsystem’s system information, move the mouse cursor to the
main menu and click on the “System Information” link. The RAID subsystem’s “RAID
Subsystem Information” screen appears.
Use this feature to view the RAID subsystem’s system information. The controller
name, controller firmware version, Boot ROM version, SAS firmware version, serial
number, main processor, CPU data / instruction cache size, system memory size /
speed and current IP address appear in below screen.
92
Chapter 4. Web Browser-Based Configuration
Single Controller System Information: (for Yotta 3 E Series & Yotta 3 Tower Series)
Redundant Controller System Information: (for Yotta 3 Single_Redundant Series)
93
Software Operation Manual
4.9.4 Hardware Monitor
The hardware monitor information of the subsystem attached in this controller is also
shown on this screen.
Single Controller Hardware Monitor: (for Yotta 3 E Series & Yotta 3 Tower Series)
94
Chapter 4. Web Browser-Based Configuration
Redundant Controller Hardware Monitor: (for Yotta 3 Single_Redundant Series)
The Hardware Monitor Information provides the temperature, fan speed (chassis fan)
and voltage of the internal RAID subsystem. All items are also unchangeable. The
warning messages will indicate through the LCM, LED and alarm buzzer.
95
Software Operation Manual
Item
Warning Condition
Controller Board
Temperature
> 70 Celsius
Backplane Temperature
> 55 Celsius
Controller Fan Speed
< 1700 RPM
Power Supply +12V
< 10.5V or > 13.5V
Power Supply +5V
< 4.7V or > 5.3V
Power Supply +3.3V
< 3.0V or > 3.6V
CPU Core Voltage +1.5V
< 1.35V or > 1.65V
96
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
Chapter 5. McBIOS RAID Manager
and Terminal mode Configuration
The RAID subsystem configuration utility is firmware-based and uses to
configure RAID sets and volume sets. Because the utility resides in the RAID
controller firmware, its operation is independent of the operating systems on
your computer. Use this utility to:
· Create RAID set,
. Expand RAID set,
· Define volume set,
· Add physical drive,
· Modify volume set,
· Modify RAID level/stripe size,
. Define pass-through disk drives,
. Update firmware,
. Modify system function, and
· Designate drives as hot spares.
55..11 C
Coonnffiigguurriinngg R
Raaiidd S
Seettss aanndd V
Voolluum
mee S
Seettss
You can configure RAID sets and volume sets with VT-100 terminal function
using Quick Volume/Raid Setup automatically, or Raid Set/Volume Set Function
manually configuration method. Each configuration method requires a different
level of user input. The general flow of operations for RAID set and volume set
configuration is:
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Designate hot
spares/pass-throu
gh (optional).
Choose a
configuration
method.
Create RAID set
using the
available
physical drives.
Define volume
set using the
space in the
RAID set.
Step 5
Initialize the
volume set and
use volume set
in the HOST
OS.
97
Software Operation Manual
55..22 D
Deessiiggnnaattiinngg D
Drriivveess aass H
Hoott S
Sppaarreess
Any unused disk drive that is not part of a RAID set can be designated as a hot
spare. The “Quick Volume/Raid Setup” configuration will add the spare disk
drive and automatically display the appropriate RAID level from which the user
can select. For the “Raid Set Function” configuration option, the user can use
the “Create Hot Spare” option to define the hot spare disk drive.
When a hot spare disk drive is being created by using the “Create Hot Spare”
option (in the “Raid Set Function”), all unused physical devices connected to the
current controller will appear:
Choose the target disk by selecting the appropriate check box. Press Enter key
to select a disk drive, and press Yes in the “Create Hot Spare” to designate it as
a hot spare.
55..33 U
Ussiinngg Q
Quuiicckk V
Voolluum
mee //R
Raaiidd S
Seettuupp
C
Coonnffiigguurraattiioonn
“Quick Volume / Raid Setup configuration” collects all available drives and
includes them in a RAID set. The RAID set you created is associated with
exactly one volume set. You will only be able to modify the default RAID level,
stripe size and capacity of the new volume set. Designating drives as hot spares
is also possible in the “Raid Level” selection option. The volume set default
settings will be:
Parameter
Setting
Volume Name
Volume Set # 00
SAS Port/LUN Base/LUN
0/0/0
Cache Mode
Write Back
Tag Queuing
Yes
The default setting values can be changed after configuration is complete.
Follow the steps below to create arrays using “Quick Volume / Raid Setup”
Configuration:
Step1
Choose “Quick Volume/Raid Setup” from the main menu. The available RAID
levels and associated Hot Spare for the current volume set drive are displayed.
Step2
RAID Level Try to use drives of the same capacity in a specific array. If you use
drives with different capacities in an array, all the drives in the array is treated
as though they have the capacity of the smallest drive in the array.
The number of physical drives in a specific array determines the RAID levels
that can be implemented with the array.
98
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
RAID 0 requires one or more physical drives,
RAID 1 requires at least 2 physical drives,
RAID 1+ Spare requires more than 2 physical drives,
RAID 3 requires at least 3 physical drives,
RAID 5 requires at least 3 physical drives,
RAID 6 requires at least 4 physical drives,
RAID 3+ Spare requires at least 4 physical drives, and
RAID 5 + Spare requires at least 4 physical drives.
RAID 6 + Spare requires at least 5 physical drives.
RAID 30 requires at least 6 physical drives,
RAID 50 requires at least 6 physical drives,
RAID 60 requires at least 8 physical drives,
RAID 30+ Spare requires at least 8 physical drives, and
RAID 50 + Spare requires at least 8 physical drives.
RAID 60 + Spare requires at least 9 physical drives
Using the UP/DOWN key to select the RAID for the volume set and presses
ENT to confirm it.
Step3
The capacity for the current volume set is entered after highlighting the desired
RAID level and pressing the Enter key.
The capacity for the current volume set is displayed. Use the UP and DOWN
arrow keys to set the capacity of the volume set and press the Enter key to
confirm. The available stripe sizes for the current volume set are then
displayed.
Step4
Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to select the current volume set stripe size
and press the Enter key to confirm. This parameter specifies the size of the
stripes written to each disk in a RAID 0, 1, 10(1E), 5 or 6 volume set. You can
set the stripe size to 4 KB, 8 KB, 16 KB, 32 KB, 64 KB, or 128 KB. A larger stripe
size provides better read performance, especially when the computer performs
mostly sequential reads. However, if the computer performs random read
requests more often, choose a smaller stripe size.
Step5
When you are finished defining the volume set, press the Yes key to confirm
the “Quick Volume And Raid Set Setup” function.
Foreground (Fast Completion) Press Enter key to define fast initialization or
Step6
selected the Background (Instant Available) or No Init (To Rescue Volume). In
the “Background Initialization”, the initialization proceeds as a background task,
the volume set is fully accessible for system reads and writes. The operating
99
Software Operation Manual
system can instantly access to the newly created arrays without requiring a
reboot and waiting the initialization complete. In “Foreground Initialization”, the
initialization proceeds must be completed before the volume set ready for
system accesses. In “No Init”, there is no initialization on this volume.
Initialize the volume set you have just configured.
Step7
Step8
If you need to add additional volume set, using main menu “Create Volume Set”
function.
55..44 U
Ussiinngg R
Raaiidd S
Seett//V
Voolluum
mee S
Seett FFuunnccttiioonn
M
Meetthhoodd
In “Raid Set Function”, you can use the “Create Raid Set” function to generate
the new RAID set. In Volume Set Function, you can use the “Create Volume
Set” function to generate its associated volume set and parameters.
If the current controller has unused physical devices connected, you can
choose the “Create Hot Spare” option in the “Raid Set Function” to define a
global hot spare. Select this method to configure new RAID sets and volume
sets. The “Raid Set/Volume Set Function” configuration option allows you to
associate volume set with partial and full RAID set.
Step1
To setup the hot spare (option), choose “Raid Set Function” from the main
menu. Select the “Create Hot Spare” and press the Enter key to define the hot
spare.
Step2
Choose “RAID Set Function” from the main menu. Select “Create Raid Set”
and press the Enter key.
Step3
The “Select a Drive For Raid Set” window is displayed showing the SAS/SATA
drives connected to the RAID subsystem.
Step4
Press the UP/ DOWN to select specific physical drives. Press the ENT to
associate the selected physical drive with the current RAID set.
Try to use drives of the same capacity in a specific RAID set. If you use drives
with different capacities in an array, all the drives in the array is treated as
though they have the capacity of the smallest drive in the array.
The number of physical drives in a specific RAID set determines the RAID
levels that can be implemented with the RAID set.
100
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
RAID 0 requires one or more physical drives per RAID set.
RAID 1 requires at least 2 physical drives per RAID set.
RAID 1 + Spare requires at least 3 physical drives per RAID set.
RAID 3 requires at least 3 physical drives per RAID set.
RAID 5 requires at least 3 physical drives per RAID set.
RAID 6 requires at least 4 physical drives per RAID set.
RAID 3 + Spare requires at least 4 physical drives per RAID set.
RAID 5 + Spare requires at least 4 physical drives per RAID set.
RAID 6 + Spare requires at least 5 physical drives per RAID set.
RAID 30 requires at least 6 physical drives,
RAID 50 requires at least 6 physical drives,
RAID 60 requires at least 8 physical drives,
RAID 30+ Spare requires at least 8 physical drives, and
RAID 50 + Spare requires at least 8 physical drives.
RAID 60 + Spare requires at least 9 physical drives
Step5
Step6
After adding the desired physical drives to the current RAID set, press the
Enter to confirm the “Create Raid Set” function
An “Edit The Raid Set Name” dialog box appears. Enter 1 to 15 alphanumeric
characters to define a unique identifier for this new RAID set. The default RAID
set name will always appear as Raid Set. #. Press Enter to finish the name
editing.
Press the Enter key when you are finished creating the current RAID set. To
Step7
continue defining another RAID set, repeat step 3. To begin volume set configuration, go to step 8
Step8
Choose the “Volume Set Function” from the main menu. Select “Create
Volume Set” and press the Enter key.
Step9
Choose a RAID set from the “Create Volume From Raid Set” window. Press
the Yes key to confirm the selection.
101
Software Operation Manual
Step10
Choosing Foreground (Fast Completion) Press Enter key to define fast
initialization or selected the Background (Instant Available) or No Init (To
Rescue Volume). In the “Background Initialization”, the initialization proceeds
as a background task, the volume set is fully accessible for system reads and
writes. The operating system can instantly access to the newly created arrays
without requiring a reboot and waiting the initialization complete. In
“Foreground Initialization”, the initialization proceeds must be completed
before the volume set ready for system accesses. In “No Init”, there is no
initialization on this volume.
Step11
If space remains in the RAID set, the next volume set can be configured.
Repeat steps 8 to 10 to configure another volume set
55..55 M
Maaiinn M
Meennuu
The main menu shows all functions that are available for executing actions,
which is accomplished by clicking on the appropriate link.
Note
The manufacture default password is set to 0000, this password
can be selected by the “Change Password” in the section of “Raid
System Function”.
102
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
Option
Description
Quick Volume/Raid Setup Create a default configurations which are based on
the number of physical disk installed
Raid Set Functions
Create a customized RAID set
Volume Set Functions
Create a customized volume set
Physical Drive Functions
View individual disk information
Raid System Function
Setting the RAID system configurations
Hdd Power Management
Setting Hdd power management function
Fibre Channel Config (only To set the Fibre channel config function
for FC)
In Band SAS Config (only In Band management configuration
for SAS)
Ethernet Configuration
LAN port Setting
Views System Events
Record all system events in the buffer
Clear Event Buffer
Clear all event buffer information
Hardware Monitor
Show all system environment status
System Information
View the controller information
This password option allows user to set or clear the RAID subsystem’s
password protection feature. Once the password has been set, the user can
only monitor and configure the RAID subsystem by providing the correct
password. The password is used to protect the internal RAID subsystem from
unauthorized entry. The controller will prompt for the password only when
entering the main menu from the initial screen. The RAID subsystem will
automatically return to the initial screen when it does not receive any command
in five minutes.
5.5.1 Quick Volume/Raid Setup
“Quick Volume/RAID Setup” is the fastest way to prepare a RAID set and
volume set. It requires only a few keystrokes to complete. Although disk drives
of different capacity may be used in the RAID Set, it will use the capacity of the
smallest disk drive as the capacity of all disk drives in the RAID Set. The “Quick
Volume/RAID Setup” option creates a RAID set with the following properties:
1. All of the physical disk drives are contained in one RAID set.
2. The RAID levels, hot spare, capacity, and stripe size option are selected
103
Software Operation Manual
during the configuration process.
3. When a single volume set is created, it can consume all or a portion of the
available disk capacity available in this RAID set.
4. If you need to add additional volume set, use the main menu “Create Volume
Set” function.
The total number of physical drives in a specific RAID set determine the RAID
levels that can be implemented within the RAID set. Select “Quick Volume/Raid
Setup” from the main menu; all possible RAID level will be displayed on the
screen.
If volume capacity exceed 2TB, controller will show the “Greater Two TB Volume
Support” sub-menu.
No
It keeps the volume size with max. 2TB limitation.
Use 64bit LBA
This option uses 16 bytes CDB instead of 10 bytes. The maximum volume capacity
up to 512TB.
This option works on different OS which supports 16 bytes CDB.
Such as: Windows 2003 with SP1 or later Linux kernel 2.6.x or later
Use 4K Block
This option works under Windows platform only. And it can not be converted to
“Dynamic Disk”, because 4k sector size is not a standard format.
104
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
A single volume set is created and consumes all or a portion of the disk capacity
available in this RAID set. Define the capacity of volume set in the “Available
Capacity” popup. The default value for the volume set, which is 100% of the
available capacity, is displayed in the selected capacity. use the UP and DOWN
arrow key to set capacity of the volume set and press Enter key to accept this
value. If the volume set uses only part of the RAID set capacity, you can use the
“Create Volume Set” option in the main menu to define additional volume sets.
Stripe Size This parameter sets the size of the stripe written to each disk in a
RAID 0, 1, 10(1E), 5, or 6 logical drive. You can set the stripe size to 4 KB, 8 KB,
16 KB, 32 KB, 64 KB, or 128 KB.
A larger stripe size produces better-read performance, especially if your
computer does mostly sequential reads. However, if you are sure that your
computer performs random reads more often, select a smaller stripe size.
105
Software Operation Manual
Press Yes key in the “Create Vol/Raid Set” dialog box, the RAID set and volume
set will start to initialize it. Select “Foreground (Faster Completion)” or “Background (Instant Available)” for initialization and “No Init (To Rescue Volume)” for
recovering the missing RAID set configuration
5.5.2 Raid Set Function
Manual configuration gives complete control of the RAID set setting, but it will
take longer to configure than “Quick Volume/Raid Setup” configuration. Select
“Raid Set Function” to manually configure the RAID set for the first time or
delete existing RAID sets and reconfigure the RAID set.
5.5.2.1 Create Raid Set
The following is the RAID set features for the RAID subsystem.
1. Up to 32 disk drives can be included in a single RAID set.
2. Up to 128 RAID sets can be created per controller. RAID level 30 50 and 60
can support up to eight sub-volumes (RAID set).
To define a RAID set, follow the procedures below:
1. Select “Raid Set Function” from the main menu.
2. Select “Create Raid Set “ from the “Raid Set Function” dialog box.
3. A “Select Drive For Raid Set” window is displayed showing the SAS/SATA
drives connected to the current controller.
Press the UP and DOWN arrow keys to select specific physical drives. Press
the Enter key to associate the selected physical drive with the current RAID set.
Repeat this step; the user can add as many disk drives as are available to a
single RAID set.
106
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
When finished selecting SAS/SATA drives for RAID set, press Esc key. A
“Create Raid Set Confirmation” screen will appear, select the Yes option to
confirm it.
4. An “Edit The Raid Set Name” dialog box appears. Enter 1 to 15 alphanumeric
characters to define a unique identifier for the RAID set. The default RAID set
name will always appear as Raid Set. #.
5. Repeat steps 3 to define another RAID sets.
107
Software Operation Manual
Note
1. You only can edit the Raid set name in "Create Raid Set".
2. To create RAID 30/50/60 volume, you need to create multiple
RAID sets first with the same disk members on each RAID set. The
max no. disk drives per volume set: 32 for RAID 0/1/10(1E)/3/5/6
and 122 for RAID 30/50/60.
5.5.2.2 Delete Raid Set
To completely erase and reconfigure a RAID set, you must first delete it and
re-create the RAID set. To delete a RAID set, select the RAID set number that
you want to delete in the “Select Raid Set To Delete” screen. Then “Delete Raid
Set” dialog box will appear, press the Yes to delete it. Warning, data on RAID set
will be lost if this option is used. But for deleting RAID set with the Raid 30/50/60
volume, firstly, you need to delete the volumes belong to those RAID sets.
5.5.2.3 Expand Raid Set
Instead of deleting a RAID set and recreating it with additional disk drives, the
“Expand Raid Set” function allows the users to add disk drives to the RAID set
that have already been created.
To expand a RAID set:
Select the “Expand Raid Set” option. If there is an available disk, then the
“Select SATA Drives for Raid Set Expansion” screen appears.
Select the target RAID set by clicking on the appropriate radio button. Select the
target disk by clicking on the appropriate check box.
Press the Yes key to start the expansion on the RAID set. The new additional
108
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
capacity can be utilized by one or more volume sets. The volume sets
associated with this RAID set appear for you to have chance to modify RAID
level or stripe size. Follow the instruction presented in the “Modify Volume
Set ”to modify the volume sets; Operation system specific utilities may be
required to expand operating system partitions.
Note
1. Once the “Expand Raid Set” process has started, user can not
stop it. The process must be completed.
2. If a disk drive fails during RAID set expansion and a hot spare
is available, an auto rebuild operation will occur after the RAID
set expansion completes.
3. RAID 30/50/60 doesn't support the "Expand Raid Set".
5.5.2.3.1 Migrating
Migration occurs when a disk is added to a RAID set. Migrating state is
displayed in the RAID state area of “The Raid Set Information” screen when a
disk is being added to a RAID set. Migrating state is also displayed in the
associated volume state area of the “Volume Set Information” which belongs
this RAID set.
109
Software Operation Manual
5.5.2.4 Offline Raid Set
This function is for customer being able to unmount and remount a multi-disk
volume. All Hdds of the selected RAID set will be put into offline state and spun
down and fault LED will be in fast blinking mode.
5.5.2.5 Activate Incomplete Raid Set
The following screen is used to activate the RAID set after one of its disk drive
was removed in the power off state.
When one of the disk drives is removed in power off state, the RAID set state will
change to “Incomplete State”. If user wants to continue to work while the RAID
subsystem is powered on, the user can use the “Activate Incomplete Raid Set”
option to active the RAID set. After user selects this function, the RAID state will
change to “Degraded Mode” and start to work.
110
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
5.5.2.6 Create Hot Spare
When you choose the “Create Hot Spare” option in the “Raid Set Function”, all
unused physical devices connected to the current controller will result in the
screen.
Select the target disk by clicking on the appropriate check box. Press the Enter
key to select a disk drive and press Yes in the “Create Hot Spare” to designate
it as a hot spare.
The “Create Hot Spare” gives you the ability to define a global or dedicated hot
spare. Unlike “Global Hot Spare” which can be used with any RAID sets,
“Dedicated Hot Spare” can only be used with a specific RAID set or Enclosure.
When a disk drive fails in the RAID set or enclosure with a dedicated Hot Spare
is pre-set, data on the disk drive is rebuild automatically on the dedicated hot
spare disk.
5.5.2.7 Delete Hot Spare
Select the target Hot Spare disk to delete by clicking on the appropriate check
box.
Press the Enter key to select a hot spare disk drive, and press Yes in the
“Delete Hot Spare” screen to delete the hot spare.
111
Software Operation Manual
5.5.2.8 Rescue Raid Set
When the system is powered off in the RAID set update/creation period, it
possibly could disappear due to this abnormal condition. The “RESCUE”
function can recover the missing RAID set information. The RAID controller
uses the time as the RAID set signature. The RAID set may have different time
after the RAID set is recovered. The “SIGANT” function can regenerate the
signature for the RAID set.
5.5.2.9 Raid Set Information
To display RAID set information, move the cursor bar to the desired RAID set
number, then press the Enter key. The “Raid Set Information” will appear.
You can only view information for the RAID set in this screen.
112
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
5.5.3 Volume Set Function
A volume set is seen by the host system as a single logical device; it is
organized in a RAID level within the controller utilizing one or more physical
disks. RAID level refers to the level of data performance and protection of a
volume set. A volume set can consume all of the capacity or a portion of the
available disk capacity of a RAID set. Multiple volume sets can exist on a RAID
set. If multiple volume sets reside on a specified RAID set, all volume sets will
reside on all physical disks in the RAID set. Thus each volume set on the RAID
set will have its data spread evenly across all the disks in the RAID set rather
than one volume set using some of the available disks and another volume set
using other disks.
The following is the volume set features for the RAID subsystem.
1. Volume sets of different RAID levels may coexist on the same RAID set.
2. Up to 128 volume sets can be created in a RAID set.
3. The maximum addressable size of a single volume set is not limited to 2TB,
because the controller is capable of 64-bit LBA mode. However the operating
system itself may not be capable of addressing more than 2TB.
5.5.3.1 Create Volume Set
To create a volume set, following the steps:
1. Select the “Volume Set Function” from the main menu.
2. Choose the “Create Volume Set” from “Volume Set Functions” dialog box
screen.
3. The “Create Volume from Raid Set” appears. This screen displays the
existing arranged RAID sets. Select the RAID set number and press the
Enter key. The “Volume Creation” dialog is displayed in the screen.
113
Software Operation Manual
4. The new create volume set attribute allows user to select the Volume Name,
Raid level, Capacity, Strip Size, SAS Port#/LUN Base/LUN, Cache Mode,
Tagged Command Queuing .
5. After completed the modification of the volume set, press the Esc key to
confirm it. An “Initialization Mode” screen appears.
114
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
Select “Foreground (Faster Completion)” for faster initialization
of the selected volume set.
Select “Background (Instant Available)” for normal initialization
of the selected volume set.
Select “No Init (To Rescue Volume)” for no initialization of the
selected volume.
6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 to create additional volume sets.
7. The initialization percentage of volume set will be displayed at
the button line.
5.5.3.1.1 Volume Name
The default volume name will always appear as Volume Set. #. You can rename
the volume set name as long as it does not exceed the 15 characters limit.
115
Software Operation Manual
5.5.3.1.2 Raid Level
Set the RAID level for the volume set. Highlight RAID Level and press the Enter
key. The available RAID levels for the current volume set are displayed. Select a
"Raid Level" and press the Enter key to confirm.
5.5.3.1.3 Capacity
The maximum volume size is default in the first setting. The capacity can
increase or decrease by the UP and DOWN arrow key. Each volume set has a
selected capacity which is less than or equal to the total capacity of the RAID set
on which it resides.
116
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
If volume capacity will exceed 2TB, controller will show the “Greater Two TB
Volume Support" sub-menu.
No
It keeps the volume size with max. 2TB limitation.
Use 64bit LBA
This option uses 16 bytes CDB instead of 10 bytes. The maximum volume
capacity is up to 512TB.
This option works on different OS which supports 16 bytes CDB.
Such as:
Windows 2003 with SP1 or later Linux kernel 2.6.x or later
Use 4K Block
It changes the sector size from default 512 bytes to 4k bytes. The maximum
volume capacity is up to 16TB.
This option works under Windows platform only. And it can not be
converted to “Dynamic Disk”, because 4k sector size is not a standard
format.
5.5.3.1.4 Strip Size
This parameter sets the size of the segment written to each disk in a RAID 0, 1,
1E (0+1), 5 or 6 logical drives. You can set the stripe size to 4 KB, 8 KB, 16 KB,
32 KB, 64 KB, or 128 KB.
117
Software Operation Manual
5.5.3.1.5 SAS Port# / Fibre Host #
Single SAS Port# (for Yotta 3 E Series & Yotta 3 Tower Series)
Two 6Gb/s SAS Wide Port can be applied to the internal RAID subsystem.
Choose the SAS Port#. When a Select SAS Port dialog box appears, select the
port number and press Enter key to confirm it.
118
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
Redundant SAS Port# (for Yotta 3 Single_Redundant Series)
Four 6Gb/s SAS Wide Port can be applied to the internal RAID subsystem.
Choose the SAS Port#. When a Select SAS Port dialog box appears, select the
port number and press Enter key to confirm it.
Single Fiber Host# (for Yotta 3 E Series & Yotta 3 Tower Series)
Quad 8Gb/s Fiber channel can be applied to the internal RAID subsystem.
Choose the Fiber Host#. When a Select Fiber Channel dialog box appears,
select the channel number and press Enter key to confirm it.
119
Software Operation Manual
Redundant Fiber Host# (for Yotta 3 Single_Redundant Series)
Eight 8Gb/s Fiber channel can be applied to the internal RAID subsystem.
Choose the Fiber Host#. When a Select Fiber Channel dialog box appears,
select the channel number and press Enter key to confirm it.
5.5.3.1.6 SAS LUN Base /Fibre LUN Base
SAS LUN Base: Each SAS device attached to the SAS host adapter must be
assigned a unique SAS ID number. A SAS RAID controller can connect up to
122 devices and 128 (16*8) volumes. The RAID subsystem is as a large SAS
device. We should assign an LUN base from a list of SAS LUNs.
120
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
Fiber LUN base/MNID: Each Fiber device attached to the Fiber card, as well as
the card itself, must be assigned a unique Fiber ID number. A Fiber channel can
connect up to 128(0 to 127) devices. The RAID subsystem is like a large Fiber
device. We should assign a LUN base from a list of Fiber LUNs.
5.5.3.1.7 SAS LUN /Fibre LUN
SAS LUN: Each SAS LUN base can support up to 8 LUNs. Most SAS host
adapter treats each LUN like a SAS disk.
121
Software Operation Manual
Fiber LUN: Each Fiber LUN base can support up to 8 LUNs. Most Fiber
Channel host adapter treats each LUN like a Fiber disk.
5.5.3.1.8 Cache Mode
User can set the cache mode to: "Write-Through" or "Write-Back".
5.5.3.1.9 Tag Queuing
This option, when enabled, can enhance overall system performance under
multi-tasking operating systems. The Command Tag (Drive Channel) function
controls the SAS command tag queuing support for each drive channel. This
function should normally remain enabled. Disabled this function only when
using older drives that do not support command tag queuing.
122
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
Note
RAID level 30 50 and 60 can support up to eight RAID set.
5.5.3.2 Create Raid 30/50/60
To create 30/50/60 volume set from RAID set group, move the cursor bar to the
main menu and click on the “Create Raid30/50/60” link. The “Select the Raid
Set to Create Volume on It” screen will show all RAID set number. Tick on the
RAID set numbers (same disk No per RAID set) that you want to create and
then click on it.
The created new volume set attribute option allows users to select the Volume
Name, Capacity, Raid Level, Strip Size, SAS Port#/LUN Base/LUN, Cache
Mode, and Tagged Command Queuing. The detailed description of those
parameters can refer to section 5.5.3.1. User can modify the default values in
this screen; the modification procedures are in section 5.5.3.4.
5.5.3.3 Delete Volume Set
To delete volume set from a RAID set, move the cursor bar to the “Volume Set
Functions” menu and select the “Delete Volume Set” item, then press the Enter
key. The “Volume Set Functions” menu will show all Raid Set # items. Move the
cursor bar to a RAID set number, then press the Enter key to show all volume
sets within that RAID set. Move the cursor to the volume set number that is to be
deleted and press the Enter to delete it.
123
Software Operation Manual
5.5.3.4 Modify Volume Set
Use this option to modify volume set configuration. To modify volume set values
from RAID set system function, move the cursor bar to the “Modify Volume Set”
item, then press the Enter key. The “Volume Set Functions” menu will show all
RAID set items. Move the cursor bar to a RAID set number item, then press the
Enter key to show all volume set items. Select the volume set from the list to be
changed, press the Enter key to modify it.
As shown, volume information can be modified at this screen. Choose this
option to display the properties of the selected volume set. But user can only
modify the last volume set capacity.
124
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
5.5.3.4.1 Volume Growth
Use “Expand RAID Set” function to add disk to a RAID set. The additional
capacity can be used to enlarge the last volume set size or to create another
volume set. The “Modify Volume Set” function can support the “Volume
Modification” function. To expand the last volume set capacity, move the cursor
bar to the “Capacity” item and entry the capacity size. When finished the above
action, press the ESC key and select the Yes option to complete the action. The
last volume set starts to expand its capacity.
To expand an existing volume noticed:
Only the last volume can expand capacity.
When expand volume capacity, you can’t modify stripe size or modify
RAID level simultaneously.
You can expand volume capacity, but can’t shrink volume capacity size.
After volume expansion, the volume capacity can't be decreased.
For over 2TB expansion:
If your system installed in the volume, don't expand the volume capacity
greater 2TB, currently OS can’t support boot up from a greater 2TB
capacity device.
Expand over 2TB used LBA64 mode. Please make sure your OS
supports LBA64 before expand it.
5.5.3.4.2 Volume Set Migration
Migrating occurs when a volume set is migrating from one RAID level to another,
when a volume set strip size changes, or when a disk is added to a RAID set.
Migration state is displayed in the volume state area of the “Volume Set
Information” screen.
125
Software Operation Manual
5.5.3.5 Check Volume Set
Use this option to verify the correctness of the redundant data in a volume set.
For example, in a system with a dedicated parity disk drive, a volume set check
entails computing the parity of the data disk drives and comparing those results
to the contents of the dedicated parity disk drive. To check volume set, move the
cursor bar to the “Check Volume Set” item, then press the Enter key. The
“Volume Set Functions” menu will show all RAID set number items. Move the
cursor bar to an RAID set number item and then press the Enter key to show all
volume set items. Select the volume set to be checked from the list and press
Enter to select it. After completed the selection, the confirmation screen
appears, Press Yes to start the check.
5.5.3.6 Stop Volume Set Check
Use this option to stop all the “Check Volume Set” function.
126
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
5.5.3.7 Display Volume Set Info.
To display volume set information, move the cursor bar to the desired volume
set number and then press the Enter key. The “Volume Set Information” screen
will be shown. You can only view the information of this volume set in this screen,
but can not modify it.
5.5.4 Physical Drive
Choose this option from the main menu to select a physical disk and perform the
operations listed above. Move the cursor bar to an item, then press Enter key to
select the desired function.
5.5.4.1 View Drive Information
When you choose this option, the physical disks connected to the RAID
subsystem are listed. Move the cursor to the desired drive and press Enter key
to view drive information.
127
Software Operation Manual
5.5.4.2 Create Pass-Through Disk
A pass-through disk is not controlled by the RAID subsystem firmware and thus
cannot be a part of a volume set. The disk is available directly to the operating
system as an individual disk. It is typically used on a system where the operating
system is on a disk not controlled by the RAID subsystem firmware. The SAS
Port#/SAS LUN Base/SAS LUN, Cache Mode, and Tag Queuing must be
specified to create a pass-through disk
5.5.4.3 Modify Pass-Through Disk
Use this option to modify “Pass-Through Disk Attributes”. To select and modify a
pass-through disk from the pool of pass-through disks, move the “Modify
Pass-Through Drive” option and then press the Enter key. The “Physical Drive
Function” menu will show all pass-through drive number options. Move the
cursor bar to the desired number and then press the Enter key to show all
128
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
pass-through disks attributes. Select the parameter from the list to be changed
and then press the Enter key to modify it.
5.5.4.4 Delete Pass-Through Disk
To delete a pass-through drive from the pass-through drive pool, move the
cursor bar to the “Delete Pass-Through Drive” item, then press the Enter key.
The “Delete Pass-Through confirmation” screen will appear; select Yes to
delete it.
5.5.4.5 Identify Selected Drive
To prevent removing the wrong drive, the selected disk fault LED indicator will
light for physically locating the selected disk when the “Identify Selected Device”
is selected.
129
Software Operation Manual
5.5.4.6 Identify Enclosure
To prevent removing the wrong subsystem, the selected expander subsystem
all disks fault LED Indicator will light for physically locating the selected
subsystem when the “Identify Enclosure” is selected. This function will also light
the subsystem LED indicator, if it is existed.
5.5.5 Raid System Function
To set the “Raid System Function”, move the cursor bar to the main menu and
select the “Raid System Function” item and then press Enter key. The “Raid
System Function” menu will show multiple items. Move the cursor bar to an item,
then press Enter key to select the desired function.
5.5.5.1 Mute the Alert Beeper
The “Mute the Alert Beeper” function item is used to control the RAID
subsystem Beeper. Select Yes and press the Enter key in the dialog box to turn
130
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
the beeper off temporarily. The beeper will still activate on the next event.
5.5.5.2 Alert Beeper Setting
The “Alert Beeper Setting” function item is used to “Disabled” or “Enabled” the
RAID subsystem alarm tone generator. Select “Disabled” and press the Enter
key in the dialog box to turn the beeper off.
5.5.5.3 Change Password
The manufacture default password is set to 0000. The password option allows
user to set or clear the password protection feature. Once the password has
been set, the user can monitor and configure the controller only by providing the
correct password. This feature is used to protect the internal RAID system from
unauthorized access. The controller will check the password only when entering
the main menu from the initial screen. The system will automatically go back to
the initial screen if it does not receive any command in 5 minutes.
131
Software Operation Manual
To set or change the password, move the cursor to “Raid System Function”
screen; press the “Change Password” item. The “Enter New Password” screen
will appear. Do not use spaces when you enter the password, if spaces are used,
it will lock out the user. To disable the password, press only Enter key in both
the “Enter New Password” and “Re-Enter New Password” column. The existing
password will be cleared. No password checking will occur when entering the
main menu.
5.5.5.4 RAID/JBOD Function
JBOD is an acronym for “Just a Bunch of Disk”. A group of hard disks in a RAID
subsystem are not set up as any type of RAID configuration. All drives are
available to the operating system as an individual disk. JBOD does not provide
data redundancy. User needs to delete the RAID set, when you want to change
the option from the RAID to the JBOD function.
132
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
5.5.5.5 Background Task priority
The “Background Task Priority” is a relative indication of how much time the
controller devotes to a rebuild operation. The RAID subsystem allows the user
to choose the rebuild priority (Ultra Low, Low, Normal, High) to balance volume
set access and rebuild tasks appropriately.
5.5.5.6 SATA NCQ Support
The controller supports both SAS and SATA disk drives. The SATA NCQ allows
multiple commands to be outstanding within a drive at the same time. Drives
that support NCQ have an internal queue where outstanding commands can be
dynamically rescheduled or re-ordered, along with the necessary tracking
mechanisms for outstanding and completed portions of the workload. The RAID
subsystem allows the user to select the SATA NCQ support: “Enabled” or
“Disabled”.
133
Software Operation Manual
5.5.5.7 HDD Read Ahead Cache
Allow Read Ahead (Default: Enabled)—When Enabled, the drive’s read ahead
cache algorithm is used, providing maximum performance under most
circumstances.
5.5.5.8 Volume Data Read Ahead
The Read data ahead parameter specifies the controller firmware algorithms
which process the Read Ahead data blocks from the disk. The Read Ahead
parameter is normal by default. To modify the value, you must know the
application behavior. The default normal option satisfies the performance
requirements for a typical volume. The disabled value implies no read ahead.
The most efficient value for the controllers depends on your application.
Aggressive read ahead is optimal for sequential access but it degrades random
access.
134
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
5.5.5.9 Hdd Queue Depth Setting
This parameter is adjusted the queue depth capacity of NCQ (SAS HDD) or
Tagged Command Queuing (SAS HDD) which transmits multiple commands to
a single target without waiting for the initial command to complete.
5.5.5.10 Controller Fan Detection
Reserved
5.5.5.11 Disk Write Cache Mode
User can set the “Disk Write Cache Mode” to Auto, Enabled, or Disabled.
“Enabled” increases speed, “Disabled” increases reliability.
135
Software Operation Manual
5.5.5.12 Disk Capacity Truncation Mode
The RAID subsystem uses drive truncation so that drives from different vendors
are more likely to be usable as spares for one another. Drive truncation slightly
decreases the usable capacity of a drive that is used in redundant units. The
controller provides three truncation modes in the system configuration:
"Multiples Of 10G", "Multiples Of 1G" and "Disabled".
Multiples Of 10G: If you have 120 GB drives from different vendors; chances are
that the capacity varies slightly. For example, one drive might be 123.5 GB, and the
other 120 GB. “Multiples Of 10G” truncates the number under tens. This makes the
same capacity for both of these drives so that one could replace the other.
Multiples Of 1G: If you have 123 GB drives from different vendors; chances are
that the capacity varies slightly. For example, one drive might be 123.5 GB, and the
other 123.4 GB. “Multiples Of 1G” truncates the fractional part. This makes the
same capacity for both of these drives so that one could replace the other.
Example, one drive might be 123.5 GB, and the other 123.4 GB. “Multiples Of 1G”
truncates the fractional part. This makes the same capacity for both of these drives
so that one could replace the other.
Disabled: It does not truncate the capacity.
5.5.5.13 Update Firmware
Please reference the appendix A firmware utility for updating firmware.
Note
1. User can only update the firmware through the VT-100
terminal or web browser-based RAID management through
the controller’s LAN port.
136
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
5.5.5.14 Shutdown Controller
Use the “Shutdown Controller” function to flash the cache data to HDD and
shutdown the controller, move the cursor bar to the main menu “Raid System
Function” item and then press the Enter key. The “Raid system Function” menu
appears on the screen. Press Enter key to select “Shutdown Controller" item.
The shutdown controller confirmation screen appears. Select Yes key to flash
the cache to HDD and RAID controller
5.5.5.15 Restart Controller
Use the “Restart Controller” function to restart the RAID controller, move the
cursor bar to the main menu “Raid System Function” item and then press the
Enter key. The “Raid system Function” menu appears on the screen. Press
Enter key to select “Restart Controller" item. The restart controller confirmation
screen appears. Select Yes key to restart entire RAID controller.
Note
It can only work properly at Host and Drive without any activity.
137
Software Operation Manual
5.5.6 HDD Power Management
RAID Controller has automated the ability to manage HDD power based on
usage patterns. The “HDD Power Management” allows you to choose a
“Stagger Power On Control”, “Low Power Idle”, “Low RPM” and completely
“Spins Down Idle HDD”. It is designed to reduce power consumption and heat
generation on idle drives.
5.5.6.1 Stagger Power On Control
In a PC system with only one or two drives, the power can supply enough power
to spin up both drives simultaneously. But in systems with more than two drives,
the startup current from spinning up the drives all at once can overload the
power supply, causing damage to the power supply, disk drives and other
system components. This damage can be avoided by allowing the host to
stagger the spin-up of the drives. The SAS/SATA drives have support stagger
138
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
spin-up capabilities to boost reliability. Stagger spin-up is a very useful feature
for managing multiple disk drives in a storage subsystem. It gives the host the
ability to spin up the disk drives sequentially or in groups, allowing the drives to
come ready at the optimum time without straining the system power supply.
Staggering drive spin-up in a multiple drive environment also avoids the extra
cost of a power supply designed to meet short-term startup power demand as
well as steady state conditions.
RAID controller has included the option for customer to select the disk drives
sequentially stagger power up value. The values can be selected from 0.4ms to
6ms per step which powers up one drive.
5.5.6.2 Time to Hdd Low Power Idle (Minutes)
This option delivers lower power consumption by automatically unloading
recording heads during the setting idle time.
5.5.6.3 Time to Hdd Low RPM Mode (Minutes)
This function can automatically spin disks at lower RPM if there have not been
used during the setting idle time.
5.5.6.4 Time to Spin Down Idle HDD (Minutes)
This function can automatically spin down the drive if it hasn't been accessed for
a certain amount of time. This value is used by the drive to determine how long
to wait (with no disk activity, before turning off the spindle motor to save power.)
5.5.7 Fiber Channel Config (only for FC)
To set the Fiber channel config function, move the cursor bar to the main menu
and select the Fiber Channel Config item and then press Enter key. The Fiber
Channel Configuration menu will show all items. Move the cursor bar to an item,
then press Enter key to select the desired function.
139
Software Operation Manual
5.5.7.1 Channel Speed
Each FC Channel can be configured as 2 Gbps / 4 Gbps / 8 Gbps or use
"Auto" option for auto speed negotiation between 2Gb / 4Gb / 8Gb. The
controller’s default setting is "Auto", which should be adequate under most
conditions. The Channel Speed setting takes effect for the next connection.
That means a link down or bus reset should be applied for the change to take
effect. The current connection speed is shown at end of the row. You have to
click the "Fiber Channel Config" link again from the Menu Frame to refresh
display of current speed.
5.5.7.2 Channel Topology
Each FC Channel can be configured as Auto, Loop, Point-to-Point, Fabric or
Loop/MNID Topology. The controller’s default setting is "Auto" topology, which
takes precedence of Loop topology. Firmware restart is needed for any topology
change to take effect. The current connection topology is shown at end of the
row. You have to click the "Fiber Channel Config" link again from the Menu
Frame to refresh display of current topology. Note that current topology is
shown as "None" when no successful connection is made for the channel.
5.5.7.3 Hard Loop ID
This setting is effective only under Loop topology. When enabled, you can
manually set the Loop ID in the range from 0 to 125. Make sure this hard
assigned ID is not conflicted with any other devices on the same loop; otherwise
the channel will be disabled. It is good to disable the hard loop ID and let the
loop itself auto arrange the Loop ID
140
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
5.5.8 In Band SAS Config (only for SAS)
The RAID manager supports both in-band and out-of-band management to
control the disk array system. In-band management refers to management of
the SAS disk array from a SAS host management transactions traverse the SAS
bus. Out-of-band management refers to management of the disk array from a
remote station connected to the controller either via a RS-232 or through a
network cable. In-band management is simpler than out-of-band management
for it requires less hardware in its configuration.
Since the host adapter is already installed in the host system, no extra
connection is necessary. Just load the necessary in-band driver for the
controller and then combine the API with user’s RAID manager from the local
host to start management of the disk array system.
5.5.8.1 Inband SAS Function
The RAID subsystem reserves one LUN for In-band management transactions.
This option is for user to release the LUN when In-band management is not
enabled.
5.5.8.2 Inband SAS Port
Since the SAS RAID controller supports two SAS host ports, the In-band can
through either SAS port 0 or port 1. If you configure the Host/JBOD port as a
JBOD function on the “Raid System Function”, then there will be no function on
the selection of ‘1’ option.
5.5.9 Ethernet Configuration
Use this feature to set the controller Ethernet port configuration. It is not
necessary to create reserved disk space on any hard disk for the Ethernet port
and HTTP service to function; these functions are built into the controller
firmware move the cursor bar to the main menu “Ethernet Configuration
Function” item and then press the Enter key. The “Ethernet Configuration” menu
141
Software Operation Manual
appears on the screen. Move the cursor bar to an item, then press Enter key to
select the desired function.
5.5.9.1 DHCP Function
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) allows network administrators
centrally manage and automate the assignment of IP (Internet Protocol)
addresses on a computer network. When using the TCP/IP protocol (Internet
protocol), it is necessary for a computer to have a unique IP address in order to
communicate to other computer systems. Without DHCP, the IP address must
be entered manually at each computer system. DHCP lets a network
administrator supervise and distribute IP addresses from a central point. The
purpose of DHCP is to provide the automatic (dynamic) allocation of IP client
configurations for a specific time period (called a lease period) and to minimize
the work necessary to administer a large IP network. To manually configure the
IP address of the controller, move the cursor bar to DHCP Function item, then
press Enter key to show the DHCP setting. Select the “Disabled” or “Enabled”
option to enable or disable the DHCP function. If DHCP is disabled, it will be
necessary to manually enter a static IP address that does not conflict with other
devices on the network.
5.5.9.2 Local IP address
If you intend to set up your client computers manually (no DHCP), make sure
that the assigned IP address is in the same range as the default router address
and that it is unique to your private network. However, it is highly recommend
using DHCP if that option is available on your network. An IP address allocation
scheme will reduce the time it takes to set-up client computers and eliminate the
possibilities of administrative errors and duplicate addresses. To manually
configure the IP address of the controller, move the cursor bar to Local IP
142
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
address item, then press the Enter key to show the default address setting in
the RAID subsystem. You can then reassign the static IP address of the
controller.
5.5.9.3 HTTP Port Number
To manually configure the “HTTP Port Number” of the controller, move the
cursor bar to “HTTP Port Number” item, then press the Enter key to show the
default address setting in the RAID subsystem. Then you can reassign the
default “HTTP Port Number” of the controller.
5.5.9.4 Telnet Port Number
To manually configure the “Telnet Port Number” of the controller, move the
cursor bar to “Telnet Port Number” item, then press the Enter key to show the
default address setting in the RAID subsystem. You can then reassign the
default “Telnet Port Number” of the controller.
5.5.9.5 SMTP Port Number
To manually configure the “SMTP Port Number” of the controller, move the
cursor bar to the main menu “Ethernet Configuration” function item and then
press Enter key. The “Ethernet Configuration” menu appears on the screen.
Move the cursor bar to “SMTP Port Number” item, then press Enter key to show
the default address setting in the RAID subsystem. You can then reassign the
default “SMTP Port Number” of the controller.
5.5.9.6 Ethernet Address
Each Ethernet port has its unique Mac address, which is also factory assigned.
Usually, Ethernet address is used to uniquely identify a port in the Ethernet
network.
143
Software Operation Manual
5.5.10 View System Events
To view the RAID subsystem’s system events information, move the cursor bar
to the main menu and select the “View System Events” link, then press the
Enter key. The RAID subsystem’s events screen appear.
Choose this option to view the system events information: Timer, Device, Event
type, Elapsed Time, and Errors. The RAID system does not have a build-in real
time clock. The time information is the relative time from the RAID subsystem
powered on.
5.5.11 Clear Events Buffer
Use this feature to clear the entire events buffer information.
5.5.12 Hardware Monitor
144
Chapter 5. McBIOS & Terminal Configuration
To view the RAID subsystem’s hardware monitor information, move the cursor
bar to the main menu and click the “Hardware Monitor” link. The “Controller H/W
Monitor” screen appears. The “Controller H/W Monitor” provides the CPU
temperature, controller temperature, voltage and battery status of the RAID
subsystem.
Item
Warning Condition
Controller Board
Temperature
> 70 Celsius
Backplane Temperature
> 55 Celsius
Controller Fan Speed
< 1700 RPM
Power Supply +12V
< 10.5V or > 13.5V
Power Supply +5V
< 4.7V or > 5.3V
Power Supply +3.3V
< 3.0V or > 3.6V
CPU Core Voltage +1.5V
< 1.35V or > 1.65V
145
Software Operation Manual
5.5.12 System Information
Choose this option to display the controller's hardware firmware information.
The controller provides two four-link connector for the Host and one four-link
connector for Host or JBOD. It may has problem between the host/JBOD and
controller. The port link provides current working port link status. The option for
port link is defined below.
Not Linked → Fail or no link to host/JBOD
1x600 → Single-link for use
2x600 → Two-link for use
4x600 → Four-link for use
146
Chapter 6. Redundant Storage Subsystem & Multipathing I/O
Chapter 6.
Redundant Storage Subsystem &
Multipathing I/O
66..11 O
Ovveerrvviieew
w
Redundant storage subsystem contains dual-active controller for redundancy. It
requires native multi-path IO software built in various operation systems which
allows a host server access data over multiple paths. The following storage
subsystems support dual-active controller:
Yotta 3 Fibre – SAS 12 Bay (Y3–12S6DF8)
Yotta 3 Fibre – SAS 16 Bay (Y3–16S6DF8)
Yotta 3 Fibre – SAS 24 Bay (Y3–24S6DF8)
Yotta 3 SAS – SAS 12 Bay (Y3–12S6DS6)
Yotta 3 SAS – SAS 16 Bay (Y3–16S6DS6)
Yotta 3 SAS – SAS 24 Bay (Y3–24S6DS6)
The redundant storage subsystem supports different operation systems as
below:
Windows Server 2003 (mpio_driver_dual)
Windows Vista SP2 (MPIO)
Windows 7 SP1 (MPIO)
Windows Server 2008 SP2 (MPIO)
Linux with 2.6.x kernel ( Device Mapper Multipath driver)
Mac OS X (Default driver)
Solaris 10 Update 4 (MPxIO)
6.1.1 Redundant SAS RAID Subsystem
Redundant SAS raid subsystem supports dual-active controller to provide a
high-availability storage subsystem. Both controllers monitor each other and if a
controller fails, another controller would take over all of I/O service. Redundant
SAS raid subsystem provides continuous data access and high availability with
dual-active controller.
6.1.2 Multipath I/O & No Single Point of Failure
Multipath I/O is a fault tolerance and performance enhancement technique
whereby there is more than one physical path between the host server machine
and its mass storage devices. Redundant path provides the data I/O protection
with multiple paths between the host server and storage subsystems.
Implementing Multipath I/O technology can minimize the potential crisis with
147
Software Operation Manual
single point of failure.
6.1.3 Configuration & Connectivity
Redundant SAS raid subsystem implements ALUA (Asymmetric Logical Unit
Access) algorithm which allows Volume Sets can be accessed by only one
controller when both controllers are on-line. The controller which controls the
Volume Sets is the preferred controller and another controller is for standby. For
example, Volume Set #000 was controlled by the controller A and the redundant
SAS raid subsystem allows host server access Volume Set #000 only through
the controller A. The controller B would take over the data I/O if the controller A
is failed. Figure 1 shows the standard connectivity for a single volume.
Figure 1
Redundant SAS raid subsystem default assigns even Volume Sets to controller
A and odd Volumes Sets to controller B. For example, controller A is the
preferred controller for Volume Set #000 and controller B is the preferred
controller for Volume Set #001 and so on.
The method to configure RAID Sets is the same with the single controller
subsystem, such as creating RAID Sets, creating volume sets and etc. To
ensure the I/O redundancy, both two controllers must be connected to the host
server. Physical connectivity of redundant SAS raid subsystem was described
as follow.
148
Chapter 6. Redundant Storage Subsystem & Multipathing I/O
66..22 P
Phhyyssiiccaall C
Coonnnneeccttiioonnss w
wiitthh M
MP
PIIO
O
6.2.1 Single Host Server
Figure 2 shows how a single host server computer connects to the redundant
RAID subsystem. According to RaidSet Hierarchy, two volumes are mapped to
channel 0(port 0& 2). As figure 2, both channel 0 (controller A & controller B) are
connected to a dual port HBA. Volume Set #000 is preferred controlled by the
controller A and Volume Set #001 is preferred controlled by the controller B.
Figure 2
149
Software Operation Manual
6.2.2 Multiple Host Servers
Figure 3 shows how multiple servers connect to the redundant RAID subsystem.
According to RaidSet Hierarchy, two volumes are mapped to channel 0(port 0&
2) and another two volumes are mapped to channel 1(port 1 & 3). As figure 2,
both channel 0 (controller A & controller B) are connected to a dual port HBA on
the host server A. Both channel 1 (controller A & controller B) are connected to a
dual port HBA on the host server B. Volume Set #000 & Volume Set #002 are
preferred controlled by the controller A .Volume Set #001 & Volume Set #003
are preferred controlled by the controller B.
Figure 3
150
Chapter 6. Redundant Storage Subsystem & Multipathing I/O
6.2.3 Cluster Servers
Figure 4 shows how cluster servers connect to the redundant RAID subsystem.
According to RaidSet Hierarchy, two volumes are assigned to channel 0(port
0&1&2&3) & channel 1(port 0&1&2&3) for cluster. As figure 2, both channel 0
(controller A & controller B) are connected to a dual port HBA on the host server
A. Both channel 1 (controller A & controller B) are connected to a dual port HBA
on the host server B. Volume Set #000 is preferred controlled by the controller A
and Volume Set #001 is preferred controlled by the controller B.
Figure 4
151
Software Operation Manual
66..33 E
Ennaabbllee M
Muullttiippaatthhiinngg II//O
O ffoorr W
Wiinnddoow
wss
S
Seerrvveerr 22000033
Below steps are required to enable multipathing I/O for Windows Server 2003:
6.3.1 Complete Volume Set configurations and
hardware setup
Create a single volume (eg. “AXS-8366-VOL#000”). Connect SAS/Fibre
cables to the host server machine.
Power on the host server and run “Computer Management”. Double click
System Tools > Device Manager > Disk drives. Two identical devices would
appear. “Y3-16S6D” presents the vendor name and “AXS-8366-VOL#000”
presents the product name.
152
Chapter 6. Redundant Storage Subsystem & Multipathing I/O
6.3.2 Register Microsoft MPIO devices
Extract “mpio_driver_dual” to a folder (eg. mpio). Rename “amdsm.inf”, such as
“test.inf”. In “mpio” folder, create a text file (eg. test.txt) and add the vendor
name and product name of MPIO devices in it then must press “ENTER” to the
next line.
The default value of the vendor name is 8 characters and the product name is
16 characters.
If the vendor name or the product name is shorter than default, fulfill it with
blank, such as”Y3-16
AXS-VOL#000”.
Open “command prompt” to register the MPIO devices. Type “ainf test.inf
test.txt amdsm.inf”.
153
Software Operation Manual
6.3.3 Install Microsoft MPIO packages and reboot the
host server computer
Open “mpio” folder. Double click “amin32.exe” to install MPIO packages and
follow the instruction to complete the installation.
Restart the host server computer and you can find a new Multi-Path Disk
Device.
154
Chapter 6. Redundant Storage Subsystem & Multipathing I/O
66..44 E
Ennaabbllee M
Muullttiippaatthhiinngg II//O
O ffoorr W
Wiinnddoow
wss V
Viissttaa
// 77 &
&W
Wiinnddoow
wss S
Seerrvveerr 22000088
Windows Vista / 7 and Windows Server 2008 support a specific module as the
multi-path solution. Below steps are required to enable multipathing I/O for
Windows Vista / 7 & Windows Server 2008:
6.4.1 Complete Volume Set configurations and
hardware setup
Create a single volume (eg. “AXS-8366-VOL#000”). Connect SAS/Fibre
cables to the host server machine.
Power on the host server and run “Computer Management”. Double click
System Tools > Device Manager > Disk drives. Two equal devices would
appear. “Y3-16S6D” presents the vendor name and “AXS-8366-VOL#000”
presents the product name.
155
Software Operation Manual
6.4.2 Install Microsoft MPIO packages
Run “Computer Management” and double click System Tools > Device
Manager. At menu bar, click Action > Add legacy hardware to execute Add
Hardware Wizard. Click “Next”.
Select “Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced) then
click “Next”.
156
Chapter 6. Redundant Storage Subsystem & Multipathing I/O
Select “Storage controllers” and click “Next”.
Select “Microsoft” as the manufacturer then select “Microsoft Multi-Path
Bus Driver” and click “Next”.
157
Software Operation Manual
Follow the wizard to complete installing “Microsoft Multi-Path Bus Driver”.
Repeat the previous steps to add legacy hardware. Select “System devices”
and click “Next”.
Select “Microsoft” as the manufacturer then select “Microsoft Multi-Path
Device Specific Module” and click “Next”.
Follow the wizard to complete installing “Microsoft Multi-Path Device
Specific Module”.
158
Chapter 6. Redundant Storage Subsystem & Multipathing I/O
6.4.3 Register Microsoft MPIO devices
Run “Registry Editor”. Click “Computer” then click Edit > Find. Enter
“supporteddev” then click “Find Next”.
Double click the relative registry to edit the vendor name and the product name.
According to “Disk drives”, edit the value data as same as the devices name
listed on “Disk drives”. The longest name of the vendor name is 8 letters. If the
vendor name is shorter than 8 letters, fulfill blank with spaces, such as "Axus ".
Edit the product name followed by the vendor name. The longest name of the
product name is 16 letters. For this case, edit the value data as
159
Software Operation Manual
“Y3-16S6DAXS-8366-VOL#000”. Click “OK” to complete editing.
Press “F3” button to find next relative registry. Enter the same vendor name
and the product name as previous registry then click “OK”. Repeat pressing
“F3” until all relative registries were edited.
160
Chapter 6. Redundant Storage Subsystem & Multipathing I/O
6.4.4 Reboot the host server computer
Restart the host server computer and you can find a new Multi-Path Disk
Device.
161
Software Operation Manual
66..55 E
Ennaabbllee M
Muullttiippaatthhiinngg II//O
O ffoorr LLiinnuuxx
Native Linux kernel 2.6.x or later supports multi-path by installing device
-mapper-device. Below steps are required to enable multipathing I/O for Linux:
6.5.1 Complete Volume Set configurations and
hardware setup
Create a single volume (eg. “AXS-8366-VOL#000”). Connect SAS (Fibre)
cables to the host server machine.
Power on the host server and check devices. Two devices would appear and
they actually present the same volume “AXS-8366-VOL#000”.
162
Chapter 6. Redundant Storage Subsystem & Multipathing I/O
6.5.2 Install device-mapper-multipath option
package
6.5.3 Edit the parameters of the storage subsystem
Overwrite “/etc/multipath.conf” with AXUS configuration file “multipath.conf”
which can be found in CD. Open “/etc/multipath.conf” to modify the proper
vendor name and product name.
163
Software Operation Manual
Modify the vendor name as “Y3-16S3D” and the product name as
“AXS-8366-VOL#*”. Save it then reboot the host server computer.
6.5.4 Activate multipathd service and partition the
multipath devices
Run command “/etc/init.d/multipathd restart” to restart multipathd service.
164
Chapter 6. Redundant Storage Subsystem & Multipathing I/O
Run command “multipath –ll” to display multipath devices.
Partition the multipathing device “/dev/mapper/mpath1”.
165
Software Operation Manual
Or run command “fdisk -l” to display multipath devices.
Partition the multipath device with “fdisk /dev/dm-0” command.
166
Chapter 6. Redundant Storage Subsystem & Multipathing I/O
Partition the /dev/dm-0 into 2 volumes. Server must be rebooted after
partitioning the device. After reboot, the /dev/dm-0 will become dm-1 & dm-2,
Make file system for /dev/dm-1 and /dev/dm-2
167
Software Operation Manual
Mount /dev/dm-1(/dev/dm-2) to /mnt/test or any desire path.
Note
Depends on different Linux distributors, please refer to
http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/enterprise/RHEL-5-manual/enUS/RHEL510/DM_Multipath/index.html for more information about
configuring multi-path I/O.
168
Chapter 6. Redundant Storage Subsystem & Multipathing I/O
66..66 E
Ennaabbllee M
Muullttiippaatthhiinngg II//O
O ffoorr M
MA
AC
CO
OS
SX
X
MAC OS X supports multipathing I/O since OS X 10.3.5. An identical World
Wide Node Name (WWNN) of the RAID controller is required to MAC operating
system for enabling multi-path I/O. Below steps are required to enable
multipathing I/O for MAC OS X:
6.6.1 Complete Volume Set configurations and
hardware setup
Create a single volume (eg. “AXS-8666-VOL#000”). Connect Fibre cables to
the host server machine.
6.6.2 Reboot the host server computer
With MAC OS X built-in MPIO, only a single device would appear in the
operating system.
169
Software Operation Manual
66..77 E
Ennaabbllee M
Muullttiippaatthhiinngg II//O
O ffoorr S
Soollaarriiss
Below steps are required to enable multipathing I/O for Solaris:
6.7.1 Complete Volume Set configurations and
hardware setup
Create a single volume (eg. “AXS-8366-VOL#000”). Connect SAS/Fibre
cables to the host server machine.
Power on the host server and check devices. Two devices would show up and
they actually present the same volume “AXS-8366-VOL#000”.
6.7.2 Enable MPxIO service and partition the
multipath devices
Run command “stmsboot –e” to enable multipathing. Follow the procedure and
reboot the host server computer.
170
Chapter 6. Redundant Storage Subsystem & Multipathing I/O
Edit /kernel/drv/scsi_vhci.conf to enable MPxIO supporting multipathing devices.
Modify the vendor ID as “Y3-16S6D” and the product ID as
“AXS-8366-VOL#*”. Save it then reboot the host server computer.
171
Software Operation Manual
Run command “format” to partition the multipathing device.
Note
Please refer to
http://docs.sun.com/app/docs/doc/820-1931/gfpva?l=zh_tw&a=view
for more information.
172
Chapter 7. Driver Installation
Chapter 7. Driver Installation (for PCI-E
RAID only)
This chapter describes how to install the SAS RAID controller driver to your
operating system. The installation procedures use the following terminology:
Installing operating system on the SAS/SATA Volume
If you have a new drive configuration without an operating system and want to
install operating system on a disk drive managed by the SAS RAID Controller. The
driver installation is a part of the operating system installation.
Installing SAS RAID controller into an existing operating system
The computer has an existing operating system installed and the SAS RAID
controller is being installed as a secondary controller.
Have all required system hardware and software components on hand before
proceeding with the setup and installation.
Materials required:
• Microsoft Windows 7/2008/Vista/2003, or Linux, or FreeBSD installation
CD-ROM
• SAS RAID controller Diver CD-ROM
• SAS RAID controller
6.1 Creating the Driver Diskettes
The CD-ROM disc shipped with the SAS RAID controller, if you do not have the
CD-ROM disc with the package, contact your local dealer or you can also
download the latest version drivers for Windows 7/2008/Vista/2003, Linux and
FreeBSD from the AXUS ftp site, account and password please contacts sales
or technical support.
The following steps are required to create the Driver
diskettes:
Before Installation - Under DOS/Windows environment
a. Unzip "install.zip"
X:\PATH\pkunzip.exe install.zip =>> driver.img
b. Dump it into a floppy disk.
X:\PATH\rawrite.exe driver.img A:
173
Software Operation Manual
The driver diskette is now made. Proceed to the following instruction for
installation procedures.
Tips: You can get rawrite.exe from S.U.S.E. 10.x CD1 or DVD (search from search
engine can find “rawrite.exe” and download it)
6.2 Driver Installation for Windows
The SAS RAID controller can be used with Microsoft Windows 7/2008/Vista
/2003. The SAS RAID controllers support SCSI Miniport and Storport Drivers for
Windows 7/2008/Vista/2003.
6.2.1 New Storage Device Drivers in Windows 7
/2008/Vista/2003.
The Storport driver is new to Windows 7/2008/Vista/2003. Storport implements a
new architecture designed for better performance with RAID systems and in
Storage Area Network (SAN) environments. Storport delivers higher I/O through
-put, enhances manageability, and an improved miniport interface. Storport better
utilizes faster adapters through the use of reduced Delay Procedure Call (DPC)
and improved queue management
6.2.2 Install Windows 7/2008/Vista/2003 on a
SAS/SATA RAID Volume
The following instructions explain how to install the SAS RAID controller Driver. For
completed details on installing Windows, see the Windows User’s Manual.
6.2.2.1 Installation procedures
The following procedures, detail installing the SAS RAID controller driver while
installing Windows 7/2008/Vista/2003. Have your bootable Microsoft Windows
7/2008/Vista/2003 CD-ROM and follow the required procedures below to install
SAS RAID controller:
1. Make sure you follow the instructions in “Hardware Installation” to install the
controller and connect the disk drives or enclosure.
2. Start the system and then press Tab+F6 to access the McBIOS RAID manager.
Use the McBIOS manager to create the RAIDset and volume set in which you will
install Windows. For details, see Chapter 5 “McBIOS RAID manager”. Once a
volume set is created and configured, continue with next step to install the
operating system.
174
Chapter 7. Driver Installation
3. Insert the Windows setup CD and reboot the system to begin the Windows
installation.
Note
The computer system BIOS must support bootable from CDROM.
4. Press F6 as soon as the Windows screen shows ”Setup is inspecting your
Computer’s hardware Configuration”. A message stating “Press F6 to specify
third-party RAID controller” will display during this time. This must be done or
else the Windows installer will not prompt for the driver for from the SAS RAID
controller and the driver diskette will not be recognized.
5. The next screen will show: “Setup could not determine the type of one or
more mass storage device installed in your system”. Select “specify
additional SCSI controller” by pressing S.
6. Window will prompt to place the “Manufacturer-supplied hardware
support disk” into floppy drive A: Insert the SAS RAID series driver diskette
in drive “A:” and press Enter.
7. Windows will check the floppy; select the correct card and CPU type for your
hardware from the list and press Enter to install it.
8. After Windows scans the hardware and finds the controller, it will display:
“Setup will load support for the following Mass Storage devices:”
“PCIe-SAS [Windows X86-64 Storport SATA/SAS PCI RAID Host Controller
(RAID6-Engine Inside)”. Press Enter to continue and copy the driver files. From
this point on, simply follow the Microsoft Windows installation procedure. Follow
the on-screen instructions, responding as needed, to complete the installation.
9. After the installation is completed, reboot the system to load the new drivers /
operating system.
10. See Chapter 5 in this manual to customize your RAID volume sets using
Storage manager.
175
Software Operation Manual
6.2.2.2 Making Volume Sets Available to Windows System
When you reboot the system, log in as a system administrator. Continue with the
following steps to make any additional volume sets or pass-through disks
accessible to Windows. This procedure assumes that the SAS RAID controller
hardware, driver, and Windows are installed and operational in your system.
1. Partition and format the new volume set or disks using Disk Administrator:
a. Choose Administrative Tools from the Start menu.
b. Choose Computer Management from the Administrative Tools menu.
c. Select Storage.
d. Select Disk Management.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to write a signature to the drive.
3. Right click on the disk drive and select “Create Volume” from the menu.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to create a volume set and to give a disk drive
letter.
6.2.3 Installing controller into an existing Windows
7/2008/Vista/2003 Installation
In this scenario, you are installing the controller in an existing Windows system. To
install the driver:
1. Follow the Hardware Installation to install the controller and connect the disk
drives or enclosure.
2. Start the system and then press Tab or F6 to enter the McBIOS-based
configuration utility. Use the configuration utility to create the raid set and volume
set. For details, see Chapter 5, McBIOS RAID Manager and Terminal mode
configuration. Once a volume set is created and configured, continue with
installation of the driver..
3. Re-boot Windows and the OS will recognize the SAS RAID Controller and
launch the “Found New Hardware Wizard”, which guides you to install the SAS
RAID driver.
4. The “Upgrade Device Driver Wizard” will pop-up and provides a choice of how
to proceed. Choose “Display a list of known drivers for this device, so that you
can choose a specific driver.” and click on Next.
5. When the next screen queries the user about utilizing the currently installed driver,
click on the Have Disk button.
176
Chapter 7. Driver Installation
6. When the “Install From Disk” dialog appears, insert the SAS RAID controller
driver diskette or the shipping CD-ROM and type-in or browse to the correct path
for the “Copy manufacturer’s files from:” dialog box.
7. After specifying the driver location, the previous dialog box will appear showing
the selected driver to be installed. Click the Next button.
8. The “Digital Signature Not Found” screen will appear. Click on Yes to continue
the installation.
9. Windows automatically copies the appropriate driver files and rebuilds its driver
database.
10. The “Found New Hardware Wizard” summary screen appears; click the
Finish button.
11. The “System Settings Change” dialog box appears. Remove the
diskette from the drive and click on Yes to restart the computer to load the
new drivers.
12. See Chapter 5 in this manual for information on customizing your RAID
volumes using Storage manager.
6.2.3.1 Making Volume Sets Available to Windows System
When you reboot the system, log in as a system administrator. The following
steps show how to make any new disk arrays or independent disks accessible
to Windows 7/2008/Vista/2003.
This procedure assumes that the SAS RAID controller hardware, driver and
Windows are installed and operational in your system.
1. Partition and format the new arrays or disks by using Disk Administrator:
a. Choose Administrative Tools from the Start menu.
b. Choose Computer Management from the Administrative Tools menu.
c. Select Storage.
d. Select Disk Management.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to write a signature to the drive.
3. Right click on the drive and select Create Volume from the menu.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to create a volume set and to assign a disk drive
letter.
177
Software Operation Manual
6.2.4 Uninstall controller from Windows
7/2008/Vista/2003
To remove the SAS RAID controller driver from the Windows system, follow the
instructions below.
1. Ensure that you have closed all applications and are logged in with administrative
rights.
2. Open Control Panel and start the Add/Remove Program icon and uninstall
and software for the SAS RAID controller.
3. Go to Control Panel and select System. Select the Hardware tab and then click
the Device Manager Button. In Device Manager, expand the “SCSI and RAID
Controllers” section. Right click on the AXUS SAS RAID Controller and select
“uninstall”.
4. Click on Yes to confirm removing the SAS RAID driver. The prompt to restart the
system will then be displayed.
6.3 Driver Installation for Linux
This chapter describes how to install the SAS RAID controller driver to Red Hat
Linux and SUSE Linux. Before installing the SAS RAID driver to the Linux,
complete the following actions:
1. Install and configure the controller and hard disk drives according to the
Hardware Installation.
2. Start the system and then press Tab + F6 to enter the McBIOS RAID manager
configuration utility. Use the BIOS configuration utility to create the raid set and
volume set. For details, see Chapter 5, McBIOS RAID Manager and Terminal
mode configuration.
If you are using a Linux distribution for which there is not a compiled driver
available, you can copy the source from the SAS software CD and compile a new
driver.
Compiled and tested drivers for Red Hat and SUSE Linux are included in the
shipped CD. You can download updated versions of compiled and tested drivers for
Red Hat or SUSE Linux from the Axus ftp site. Included in these downloads is the
Linux driver source, which can be used to compile the updated version driver for
RedHat, SUSE and other versions of Linux.
Please refer to the “readme.txt” file in the included CD- ROM or ftp site to make
driver diskette and to install driver to the system.
6.4 Driver Installation for FreeBSD
This chapter describes how to install the SAS RAID controller driver to FreeBSD.
Before installing the SAS RAID driver to FreeBSD, complete following actions:
178
Chapter 7. Driver Installation
1. Install and configure the controller and hard disk drives according to the
Hardware Installation.
2. Start the system and then press Tab + F6 to enter the McBIOS RAID Manager
configuration utility. Use the BIOS configuration utility to create the raid set and
volume set. For details, see Chapter 5, McBIOS RAID Manager.
The supplied CD-ROM that came with the SAS RAID controller includes compiled
and tested drivers for FreeBSD 4.x (4.2 and onwards) and 5.x (5.2 and onwards).
To check if a more current version driver is available, please see the Axus ftp site.
Please refer to the “readme.txt” file in the SAS RAID controller software
CD-ROM or website to make driver diskette and to install driver to the system.
6.5 Driver Installation for Solaris
Please refer to the “readme.txt” file in the software CD-ROM or ftp site.
6.6 Driver Installation for Mac OS X
You must have administrative level permissions to install Mac Driver & Software.
You can install Driver& Software on your Mac Pro as below:
1. Insert the Mac Driver & Software CD that came with your PCI-e SAS RAID
Systems.
2. Double-click on the following file that resides at
<CD-ROM>\packages\MacOS\DRIVER to add the installer on the Finder.
3. Launch the installer by extract the associated compressed file
install-mraid-20100812.zip
4. Reboot your Mac Pro system.
179
Software Operation Manual
Appendix A. Upgrading Firmware
Since the RAID controller features flash firmware, it is not necessary to change
the hardware flash chip in order to upgrade the RAID firmware. The user can
simply re-program the firmware through the RS-232 port or Lan port. New
releases of firmware are available in the form of a DOS file. The file available at
the FTP site is usually a self-extracting file that contains the following:
AXSxxxxFIRM.BIN is Firmware Binary,
AXSxxxxBOOT.BIN is Boot code,
AXSxxxxMBR0.BIN is Main boot code
Y3-xxS6xxx Firmware Release Notes.txt It contains the history information of
the firmware change. Read this file first before upgrading the firmware.
E
Essttaabblliisshhiinngg tthhee C
Coonnnneeccttiioonn ffoorr tthhee R
RS
S--223322
aanndd E
Etthheerrnneett ppoorrtt
The firmware can be downloaded to the RAID controller by using an ANSI/
VT-100 compatible terminal emulation program or HTTP web browser manager.
You must complete the appropriate installation procedure before proceeding
with this firmware upgrade. Please refer to Software Operation Manual: Chapter
5.3, “VT100 terminal (Using the controller’s serial port)” for details on
establishing the connection. Whichever terminal emulation program is used
must support the ZMODEM file transfer protocol.
Web browser-based RAID manager can be used to update the firmware. You
must complete the appropriate installation procedure before proceeding with
this firmware upgrade. Please refer to Software Operation Manual: chapter 4.1,
“Web browser-based RAID manager (Using the controller’s Ethernet port)” for
details on establishing the connection.
U
Uppggrraaddiinngg FFiirrm
mw
waarree TThhrroouugghh A
AN
NS
SII//V
VTT--110000
TTeerrm
miinnaall E
Em
muullaattiioonn
Get the new version firmware for your RAID controller. For Example, download
the bin file from your OEM’s web site onto the c:
1. From the Main Menu, scroll down to "Raid System Function"
180
Appendix A. Upgrading Firmware
2. Choose the "Update Firmware"; then “Update The Raid Firmware” dialog box
appears.
3. Go to the tool bar and select Transfer. Open “Send File”.
4. Select “ZMODEM modem” under Protocol. ZMODEM as the file transfer
protocol of your terminal emulation software.
5. Click Browse. Look in the location where the Firmware upgrade software is
located. Select the File name and click “open”.
181
Software Operation Manual
6. Click “Send”. Send the Firmware Binary to the controller
7. When the Firmware completes downloading, the confirmation screen
appears. Press “Yes” to start program the flash ROM.
182
Appendix A. Upgrading Firmware
8. When the Flash programming starts, a bar indicator will show “Start Updating
Firmware. Please Wait”.
9. The Firmware upgrade will take approximately thirty seconds to complete.
After the Firmware upgrade is complete, a bar indicator will show “Firmware
Has Been Updated Successfully”.
183
Software Operation Manual
10. After the new firmware completes download, user should find a chance to
restart the controller for the new firmware to take effect.
Note
1. The user doesn’t need to reconfigure all of the settings after
the firmware upgrade is complete, because all of the settings will
keep us the values before upgrade.
2. Please update all binary code (BOOT, FIRM and MBR0)
before you reboot the RAID subsystem. Otherwise, a mixed
firmware package may hang the RAID subsystem
U
Uppggrraaddiinngg FFiirrm
mw
waarree TThhrroouugghh W
Weebb B
Brroow
wsseerr
M
Maannaaggeem
meenntt
Get the new version firmware for your RAID subsystem controller. For Example,
download the bin file from your OEM’s web site onto the c:
1. To upgrade the RAID subsystem firmware, move the mouse cursor to
“Upgrade Firmware” link. The “Upgrade The Raid System Firmware” screen
appears.
2. Click “Browse”. Look in the location where the Firmware upgrade software is
located. Select the File name click “open”.
184
Appendix A. Upgrading Firmware
3. Click the “Confirm The Operation” and press the “Submit” button.
4. The Web Browser begins to download the firmware binary to the controller
and start to update the flash ROM.
5. After the firmware upgrade is complete, a bar indicator will show “Firmware
Has Been Updated Successfully”
6. After the new firmware completes download, user should find a chance to
restart the controller for the new firmware to take effect.
Note
1. The user doesn’t need to reconfigure all of the settings after
the firmware upgrade is complete, because all of the settings will
keep us the values before upgrade.
2. Please update all binary code (BOOT, FIRM and MBR0)
before you reboot the RAID subsystem. Otherwise, a mixed
firmware package may hang the RAID subsystem.
185
Software Operation Manual
Appendix B. Fibre Operation
O
Ovveerrvviieew
w
Fibre Channel is a set of standards under the auspices of ANSI (American
National Standards Institute). Fibre Channel combines the best features from
SCSI bus and IP protocols into a single standard interface, including
high-performance data transfer (up to 800 MB per second), low error rates,
multiple connection topologies, scalability, and more. It retains the SCSI
command-set functionality, but uses a Fibre Channel controller instead of a
SCSI controller to provide the network interface for data transmission. In today's
fast-moving computer environments, Fibre Channel is the serial data transfer
protocol choice for high-speed transportation of large volumes of information
between workstation, server, mass storage subsystems, and peripherals.
Physically, the Fibre Channel can be an interconnection of multiple
communication points, called N_Ports. The port itself only manages the
connection between itself and another such end-port which, which could either
be part of a switched network, referred to as a Fabric in FC terminology, or a
point-to-point link. The fundamental elements of a Fibre Channel Network are
Port and node. So a node can be a computer system, storage device, or
Hub/Switch.
This chapter describes the Fibre-specific functions available in the Fibre
channel RAID controller. Optional functions have been implemented for Fibre
channel operation only available in the Web browser-based RAID manager. The
LCD and VT-100 can’t configure the options available for Fibre channel RAID
controller.
TThhrreeee w
waayyss ttoo ccoonnnneecctt ((FFC
C TTooppoollooggiieess))
A topology defines the interconnection scheme. It defines the number of devices
that can be connected. Fibre Channel supports three different logical or physical
arrangements (topologies) for connecting the devices into a network:
* Point-to-Point
* Arbitrated Loop (AL)
* Switched (Fabric)
The physical connection between devices varies from one topology to another.
In all of these topologies, a transmitter node in one device sends information to
a receiver node in another device. Fibre Channel networks can use any
combination of point-to-point, arbitrated loop (FC_AL), and switched fabric
topologies to provide a variety of device sharing options.
186
Appendix B. Fibre Operation
Point-to-point
A point-to-point topology consists of two and only two devices connected by
N_ports of which are connected directly. In this topology, the transmit Fibre of
one device connects to the receiver Fibre of the other device and vice versa.
The connection is not shared with any other devices. Simplicity and use of the
full data transfer rate make this Point-to-point topology an ideal extension to the
standard SCSI bus interface. The point-to-point topology extends SCSI
connectivity from a server to a peripheral device over longer distances
Arbitrated Loop
The arbitrated loop (FC_AL) topology provides a relatively simple method of
connecting and sharing resources. This topology allows up to 126 devices or
nodes in a single, continuous loop or ring. The loop is constructed by
daisy-chaining the transmission and receive cables from one device to the next
or by using a hub or switch to create a virtual loop. The loop can be
self-contained or incorporated as an element in a larger network. Increasing the
number of devices on the loop can reduce the overall performance of the loop
because the amount of time each device can use the loop is reduced. The ports
in an arbitrated loop are referred as L-Ports.
Switched Fabric
A switched fabric a term is used in a Fibre channel to describe the generic
switching or routing structure that delivers a frame to a destination based on the
destination address in the frame header. It can be used to connect up to 16
million nodes, each of which is identified by a unique, world-wide name.
In a switched fabric, each data frame is transferred over a virtual point-to-point
connection. There can be any number of full-bandwidth transfers occurring
through the switch. Devices do not have to arbitrate for control of the network;
each device can use the full available bandwidth.
A fabric topology contains one or more switches connecting the ports in the FC
network. The benefit of this topology is that many devices (approximately 2-24)
can be connected. A port on a Fabric switch is called an F-Port (Fabric Port).
Fabric switches can function as an alias server, Multicast server, broadcast
server, quality of service facilitator and directory server as well.
B
Baassiicc eelleem
meennttss
The following elements are the connectivity of storages and Server components
using the Fibre channel technology.
187
Software Operation Manual
Cables and connectors
There are different types of cables of varies lengths for use in a Fibre Channel
configuration. Two types of cables are supported: Copper and optical (fiber).
Copper cables are used for short distances and transfer data up to 30 meters
per link. Fiber cables come in two distinct types: Multi-Mode fiber (MMF) for
short distances (up to 2km), and Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) for longer distances
(up to 10 kilometers). The controller default supports two SFP connectors.
Fibre Channel Adapter
Fibre Channel Adapter is devices that connect to a workstation, or server and
control the electrical protocol for communications.
Hubs
Fibre Channel hubs are used to connect up to 126 nodes into a logical loop. All
connected nodes share the bandwidth of this one logical loop. Each port on a
hub contains a Port Bypass Circuit (PBC) to automatically open and close the
loop to support hot plug ability.
Switched Fabric
Switched fabric is the highest performing device available for interconnecting
large numbers of devices, increasing bandwidth, reducing congestion and
providing aggregate throughput. .
Each device connected to a port on the switch, enabling an on-demand
connection to every connected device. Each node on a Switched fabric uses an
aggregate throughput data path to send or receive data
188
Appendix B. Fibre Operation
Appendix C
PCI-e Raid GUI (for PCI-e only)
C
Crreeaattee R
RA
AIID
DS
Seett FFuunnccttiioonn
In Create RAID Set Function user can select RaidSet mode to “Max 128
Volumes” or “Max 16 Volumes”, RaidSet mode that set to “Max 16 Volumes”
can compatible with YA series controller.
189
Software Operation Manual
S
Syysstteem
mC
Coonnffiigguurraattiioonn
The “System Beeper Setting” function is designed for “Disabled” or“Enabled”
the 6Gb/s SAS RAID controller alarm tone.
Background Task Priority
The “Background Task Priority” is a relative indication of how much time the
controller devotes to a rebuild operation. The 6Gb/s SAS RAID controller allows
the user to choose the rebuild priority (UltraLow, Low, Medium and High) to
balance volume set access and rebuild tasks appropriately. For high array
performance, specify a “Low” value.
JBOD/RAID Configuration
JBOD is an acronym for “Just a Bunch Of Disk”. A group of hard disks in a RAID
box are not set up as any type of RAID configuration. All drives are available to
the operating system as an individual disk. JBOD does not provide data
redundancy. User needs to delete the RAID set, when you want to change the
option from the RAID to the JBOD function.
SATA NCQ Support
The controller supports both SAS and SATA disk drives. The SATA NCQ allows
multiple commands to be outstanding within a drive at the same time. Drives
that support NCQ have an internal queue where outstanding commands can be
dynamically rescheduled or re-ordered, along with the necessary tracking
mechanisms for outstanding and completed portions of the workload. The
6Gb/s SAS RAID controller allows the user to select the SATA NCQ support:
“Enabled” or “Disabled”.
190
Appendix B. Fibre Operation
HDD Read Ahead Cache
Allow Read Ahead (Default: Enabled)—When Enabled, the drive’s read ahead
cache algorithm is used, providing maximum performance under most
circumstances.
Volume Data Read Ahead
The volume read data ahead parameter specifies the controller firmware
algorithms which process the Read Ahead data blocks from the disk. The Read
Ahead parameter is normal by default. To modify the value, you must set it from
the command line using the Read Ahead option. The default normal option
satisfies the performance requirements for a typical volume. The disabled value
implies no read ahead. The most efficient value for the controllers depends on
your application. Aggressive read ahead is optimal for sequential access but it
degrades random access.
HDD Queue Depth
This parameter is adjusted the queue depth capacity of NCQ (SATA HDD) or
Tagged Command Queuing (SAS HDD) which transmits multiple commands to
a single target without waiting for the initial command to complete.
Empty HDD Slot LED
The "Empty HDD Slot LED" function default setting is “ON”
Each slot has a power (Link/Access) LED to identify the HDD installed.
When there is no HDD installed. The power (Link/Access) LED will turn "OFF".
CPU Fan Detection
The "CPU Fan Detection" function is for RAID card only.
SES2 Support
If your SAS backplane does not implement the correct SES2 function, you can
disable the SES2 support on controller. Controller will use SMP (only monitor
PHY not environment) to communicate with SAS backplane, but you will not be
able to monitor the backplane information.
191
Software Operation Manual
Max command Length
The "Max command Length" can set from 148K to 4M for performance fine tune.
Auto Activate Incomplete Raid
When some of the disk drives are removed in power off state or boot up stage,
the RAID set state will change to “Incomplete State”. But if a user wants to
automatically continue to work while the 6Gb/s SAS RAID controller is powered
on, the user can set the “Auto Activate Incomplete Raid” option to enable. The
RAID state will change to “Degraded Mode” while it powers on.
Disk Write Cache Mode
User can set the “Disk Write Cache Mode” to Auto, Enabled, or Disabled.
“Enabled” increases speed, “Disabled” increases reliability.
Disk Capacity Truncation Mode
RAID controllers use drive truncation so that drives from differing vendors are
more likely to be able to be used as spares for each other. Drive truncation
slightly decreases the usable capacity of a drive that is used in redundant units.
The controller provides three truncation modes in the system configuration:
“Multiples Of 10G”, “Multiples Of 1G”, and Disabled’.
Multiples Of 10G: If you have 120 GB drives from different vendors; chances are
that the capacity varies slightly. For example, one drive might be 123.5 GB, and
the other 120 GB.
Multiples Of 10G truncates the number under tens. This makes same capacity
for both of these drives so that one could replace the other.
Multiples Of 1G: If you have 123 GB drives from different vendors; chances are
that the capacity varies slightly. For example, one drive might be 123.5 GB, and
the other 123.4 GB. Multiples Of 1G truncates the fractional part. This makes
capacity for both of these drives so that one could replace the other.
Disabled: It does not truncate the capacity.
192
Appendix B. Fibre Operation
A
Addvvaannccee C
Coonnffiigguurraattiioonn
TLER Setting
TLER (time-limited error recovery) functions provide support for WD Caviar RE
(RAID) series disks. This is a new option from WD to support RAID features that
were traditionally missing from standard desktop drives. TLER is a method of
signaling the system RAID controller in the event that an error recovery process
is taking longer than time-out specifications allow. This prevents the RAID
controller from dropping the drive from the array during this period. Default
value is manufacture setting. You can select between 5, 6 and 7 second. This
feature is to setup the HDD internal timeout value.
Time Out Setting
Disk time-out is a registry setting that defines the time that RAID controller will
wait for a hard disk to respond to a command. You can modify the retry value by
entering a new value in the edit box beside this button and then selecting the
button. Normally you should not need to modify this value.
Default value is 8 seconds: You can select between 3~8 second.
Number Of Retries
This setting determines the number of access that will be attempted before the
current command from the RAID controller to the disk drive is aborted. You can
modify the retry value by entering a new value in the edit box beside this button
and then selecting the button. Normally you should not need to modify this
value. There are two selections, 2 retry or 3 retry.
193
Software Operation Manual
Buffer Threshold Setting
There are 4 options in this new feature; 5%, 25%, 50%, 75%. The percentage
represents how much data should be kept in resident cache memory (how full
cache should get) before controller starts to flush data onto the hard drives. If
the buffer is set for 25%, then all 25% will be cached and is used for writing data.
The remaining cache memory will be used for reading and other system
overhead. Write buffer threshold for 5% is added for video recording. This
option will push data to disk early.
This feature gives controller extra buffer time in case of slow response from the
hard drives within a given time. Consequently, this can prevent a pause in data
flow and there will be continues data access and stream. This feature is very
useful for the video streaming applications where there is high demand for
constant non-stop data flow with no interruption due to lower performance of
specific hardware.
Amount Of Read Ahead
Read-Ahead data is buffered in the RAID controller cache, however, thereby
cutting down on the amount of I/O traffic to the disk. The Amount of Read Ahead
defines how many data of reading at a time, making more efficient use of the
RAID subsystem. This makes it possible to locate and re-issue the data without
repetitive hard parsing activities.
The Amount of Read Ahead parameter is used to allocate an amount of memory
in the cache memory the frequently executed queries and return the result set
back to the host without real disk read execution.
Default value is Auto: Controller will base on the HDD number to set the amount
of Read Ahead value. You can select between 512B ~ 14MB.
To decide how to set AV stream parameter, you need to check the Number of
Stream, Amount of Read Ahead, and Total Cache Memory during runtime. You
can try to adjust the three numbers to get the best performance as your
requirement. Number of Stream shows the number of stream added to the
system, Amount of Read Ahead shows the amount of Read Ahead data taken
from the cache without real disk execution, and Total Cache Memory shows the
total available memory being installed in the RAID controller. The following is the
rule of optimized setting for the AV Stream Playout application.
Number of AV Stream x Amount of Read Ahead X 3< Cache Memory installed in
the controller
194
Appendix B. Fibre Operation
Number of AV Stream
RAID controllers are required to have not only the function of processing ordinary data
but also the function of dealing with AV (audio/video) stream data which needs
real-time processing. Since the bus cycle used in RAID controller was designed to
transfer the computer data exactly, it was unsuitable for the transfer of AV stream that
needs a great band widths. They are required to do some setting for the handshaking
during the processing of stream data. This setting can adjust the efficacy of transferring
stream data on an existing RAID controller.
Normally you should not need to modify this value. Default value is 6. You can select
between 6~216.
To decide how to set AV stream playout parameter, you need to check the Number of
Stream, Amount of Read Ahead, and Total Cache Memory during runtime. You can try
to adjust the three numbers to get the best performance as your requirement. Number of
Stream shows the number of stream added to the system, Amount of Read Ahead shows
the amount of Read Ahead data taken from the cache without real disk execution, and
Total Cache Memory shows the total available memory being installed in the RAID
controller.
The following is the rule of optimized setting for the AV Stream Playout application.
Optimize AV Recording
AV recording option is for video recording (no time limit), but if used in normal
operation, performance may be degraded. There are 4 options in this new
feature; Disabled, Mode1, Mode2 and Mode 3. Default value is Disabled. To
decide how to optimize AV stream recording parameter, you need to adjust the
Optimize AV Recording and Write Buffer Threshold during runtime.
Example: Long time video recording (low data rate), such as Surveillance
Optimize HD Edition option: disabled
Optimize AV Recording option: mode3
Write Buffer Threshold: 5%
Read Performance Margin
To reserve more read margin. By increasing Read Performance Margin, user
can get more smoothly on read performance but read speed will be reduced.
Write Performance Margin
To reserve more write margin. By increasing Write Performance Margin, user
can get more smoothly on write performance but write speed will be reduced.
195
Software Operation Manual
Read And Discard Parity Data
Determine if parity data is to be read and discarded.
If reading block is not in sequence, some HDD will run as random mode,
where performance will be decreased, therefore, by enabling Read And
Discard Parity Data, data and parity data both will be read and parity data
will be discard, reading block will continue and as a result user can get more
smoothly performance.
P
Peerrffoorrm
maannccee ffoorr A
AV
VS
Sttrreeaam
m
For a better performance on AV Stream some value may
need to be adjusted
1. System Configurations
Volume Data Read Ahead: Aggressive
196
Appendix B. Fibre Operation
2 Advanced Configurations
Buffer Threshold Setting: 5%
Amount Of Read Ahead: Auto
Number Of AV Streams: 6
Optimize AV Recording: mode3 <-- must be set to mode3 if using AJA test
Fine Tune for AJA Test:
2 Advanced Configurations
Read Performance Margin: n% --> to reserve more read margin
Write Performance Margin: n% --> to reserve more write margin
Read And Discard Parity Data: Disabled/Enabled --> Determine if parity
data is to be read and discarded
197
Software Operation Manual
The Following Setting can take into Effective with No Reboot required for
Easy Test:
Volume Data Read Ahead
Amount Of Read Ahead
Read Performance Margin
Write Performance Margin
Read And Discard Parity Data
198
Appendix C. SNMP Operation & Definition
Appendix D
SNMP Operation & Definition
O
Ovveerrvviieew
w
The Yotta 3 SAS/SATA RAID subsystem firmware-embedded Simple Network
Management Protocol (SNMP) agent for the connect array. An SNMP-based
management application (also known as an SNMP manager) can monitor the
disk array. An example of An SNMP management application is Hewlett
-Packard’s Open View. The firmware-embedded SNMP agent can be used to
augment the RAID controller if you are already running an SNMP management
application at your site.
S
SN
NM
MP
PD
Deeffiinniittiioonn
SNMP, an IP-based protocol, has a set of commands for getting the status of
target devices. The SNMP management platform is called the SNMP manager,
and the managed devices have the SNMP agent loaded. Management data is
organized in a hierarchical data structure called the management Information
Base (MIB). These MIBs are defined and sanctioned by various industry
associations. The objective is for all vendors to create products in compliance
with these MIBs so that inter-vendor interoperability can be achieved. If a
vendor wishes to include additional device information that is not specified in a
standard MIB, then that is usually done through MIB extensions.
Event
Configuration Performance
MIBs
SNMP Agent
Network resources
S
SN
NM
MP
P IInnssttaallllaattiioonn
The installation of the SNMP manager is accomplished in several phases:
Installing the Manager software on the client
199
Software Operation Manual
Placing a copy of the management information base (MIB) in a directory
which is accessible to the management application
Compiling the MIB description file with the management application
M
MIIB
BC
Coom
mppiillaattiioonn aanndd D
Deeffiinniittiioonn FFiillee ccrreeaattiioonn
Before the manager application accesses the RAID controller, user needs to
integrate the MIB into the management application’s database of events and
status indicator codes. This process is known as compiling the MIB into the
application. This process is highly vendor-specific and should be well-covered
in the User’s Guide of your SNMP application. Ensure the compilation process
successfully integrates the contents of the axus_sas-3.mib file into the traps
database.
LLooccaattiioonn ffoorr M
MIIB
B
Depending upon the SNMP management application used, the MIB must be
placed in a specific directory on the network management station running the
management application. The MIB file must be manually copied to this directory.
For example:
SNMP Management Application
MIB Location
HP OpenView
\OV\MIBS
Netware NMS
\NMS\SNMPMIBS\CURRENT
Your management application may have a different target directory. Consult the
management application’s user manual for the correct location.
200
Appendix D. Event Messages
Appendix E
Event Notification Configurations
The controller classifies disk array events into four levels depending on their
severity. These include level 1: Urgent, level 2: Serious, level 3: Warning and
level 4: Information. The level 4 covers notification events such as initialization
of the controller and initiation of the rebuilding process; Level 2 covers
notification events which once have happen; Level 3 includes events which
require the issuance of warning messages; Level 1 is the highest level, and
covers events the need immediate attention (and action) from the administrator.
The following lists sample events for each level:
A. Device Event
Event
Type
Meaning
Device Inserted
Warning
HDD inserted
Action
Device Removed Warning
HDD removed
Reading Error
Warning
HDD reading error
Keep Watching HDD status, maybe
it is caused by noise or HDD
unstable.
Writing Error
Warning
HDD writing error
Keep Watching HDD status, maybe
it is caused by noise or HDD
unstable.
ATA ECC Error
Warning
HDD ECC error
Keep Watching HDD status, maybe
it is caused by noise or HDD
unstable.
Change ATA Mode Warning
HDD change ATA mode Check HDD connection
Time Out Error
Warning
HDD Time out
Keep Watching HDD status, maybe
it is caused by noise or HDD
unstable
Device Failed
Urgent
HDD failure
Replace HDD
PCI Parity Error
Serious
PCI Parity error
If only happen once, it maybe
caused by noise. If always happen,
please check power supply or
contact to us.
Device Failed
(SMART)
Urgent
HDD SMART failure
Replace HDD
Pass Through
Disk Created
Inform
Pass Through Disk
Created
201
Software Operation Manual
Pass Through
Disk Modified
Inform
Pass Through Disk
Modified
Pass Through
Disk Deleted
Inform
Pass Through Disk
Deleted
B. Volume Event
Event
Type
Meaning
Start Initialize
Warning
Volume start initialize
Start Rebuilding
Warning
Volume start rebuilding
Start Migrating
Warning
Volume start migrating
Start Checking
Warning
Volume start parity checking
Complete Init
Warning
Volume initialization completed
Complete Rebuild Warning
Volume rebuild completed
Complete Migrate Warning
Volume Migration completed
Complete Check
Warning
Volume check completed
Create Volume
Warning
New Volume Created
Delete Volume
Warning
Volume deleted
Modify Volume
Warning
Volume modify
Volume Degraded Urgent
Volume degraded
Volume Failed
Urgent
Volume failure
Failed Volume
Revived
Urgent
Failed Volume revived
Abort Initialization Warning
Initialization been abort
Abort Rebuilding Warning
Rebuilding been abort
Abort Migration
Warning
Migration been abort
Abort Checking
Warning
Parity Check been abort
Stop Initialization Warning
Initialization been stopped
Stop Rebuilding
Warning
Rebuilding been stopped
Stop Migration
Warning
Migration been stopped
Stop Checking
Warning
Parity Check been stopped
202
Action
Replace HDD
Appendix D. Event Messages
C. Raid Set Event
Event
Type
Meaning
Action
Create Raid Set
Warning
New Raid set created
Delete Raid Set
Warning
Raid set deleted
Expand Raid Set
Warning
Raid set expand
Rebuild Raid Set
Warning
Raid set rebuilding
Raid Set
Degraded
Urgent
Raid set degraded
Replace HDD
Event
Type
Meaning
Action
SCSI Bus Reset
Inform
SCSI Bus got a Reset
command
Depend on system status; it
could be normal (such as
system boot up) or unstable
SCSI cable connection.
FC Link Up
Inform
Fibre Channel Link Up
FC Link Down
Inform
Fibre Channel Link Down
D. Host Event
E. Hardware Monitor Event
Event
Type
Meaning
Action
DRAM 1-Bit ECC
Urgent
DRAM 1-Bit ECC error
Check DRAM
DRAM Fatal Error Urgent
DRAM fatal error encountered Check the DRAM module
and replace with new one if
required.
Controller Over
Temperature
Urgent
Controller temp. (over 60
degree)
Check air flow and cooling
fan of the subsystem.
Backplane Over
Temperature
Urgent
Backplane temp. (over 55
degree)
Check air flow and cooling
fan of the subsystem.
HDD Over
Temperature
Urgent
Abnormally high temperature
detected on HDD. (over 55
degree)
Check air flow and cooling
fan of the subsystem.
enclosure
#.#V Abnormal
Urgent
Abnormal voltage detected. (
exceed 5% tolerance, 12V is
10%)
If only happen once, it
maybe caused by noise. If
always happen, please
203
Software Operation Manual
check Power Supply
Power Failed
Urgent
Power # failure
Fan Failed
Urgent
Cooling Fan # failure or speed Replace Fan #
below 1700RPM
UPS AC Power
Loss
Urgent
UPS AC Power failure
detected
Controller Temp.
Recovered
Serious
Controller temperature back to
normal level
Backplane Tempe. Serious
Recovered
Backplane temperature back to
normal level
Replace Power #
Check AC power status or
cabling between UPS and
RAID system.
HDD Temp.
Recovered
#.#V Recovered
Serious
Voltage output back to normal
Power #
Recovered
Serious
Power # back to on-line state
Fan # Recovered Serious
Fan # back to on-line state
UPS AC Power
Recovered
UPS AC power back to on-line
state.
Serious
Raid Powered On Warning
Raid Power On
Test Event
Urgent
Test Event
Power On With
Battery Backup
Warning
Raid Power On with battery
backup
Incomplete RAID Serious
Discovered
Some Raid Set member disks Check disk information to
missing before power on
find out which channel
missing.
HTTP Log In
Serious
a HTTP login detected
Telnet Log In
Serious
a Telnet login detected
VT100 Log In
Serious
a VT100 login detected
API Log In
Serious
a API login detected
Lost Rebuilding/
Migration LBA
Urgent
Some rebuilding / migration
RAID set member disks
missing before power on
204
Reinserted the missing
member disk back,
controller will continued the
Incomplete
Appendix D. Event Messages
rebuilding/migration
Note
Depend on models, not every model will encounter all events.
205